Meditating can provide wonderful benefits for our mental, physical, and spiritual health. Consider this article to be your guide to mindfulness meditation, one of the main types of mediation that you can practice. We take you through the process of it and outline some of the benefits that you can expect to feel.
What is Mindfulness Meditation?
During a session of mindfulness meditation, you will pay attention to your breath. This type of meditation originates from Buddhist teachings, and it remains one of the most widespread types of meditation practises in the West. It’s all about listening to your breath while paying attention to your thoughts as they enter and leave your mind.
You don’t address the thoughts, rather observe them and look out for any type of patterns. Therefore, you will be aware of your thoughts and in a concentrated frame of mind. Focusing on your breathing can allow you to observe your thoughts and take note of any feelings or bodily sensations. Mindfulness meditation is ideal for practising alone in the comfort of your own home, as you don’t need to follow the instructions of a teacher.
How To Meditate Mindfully
Follow these simple instructions, and soon you’ll find yourself enjoying the practice of meditation.
Step One
Find a seat in a place that’s quiet and comfortable for you. Decide on how long you wish to meditate for. If you’re new to meditation, it’s a good idea to begin with a short time as you get comfortable with the process. Additionally, think about different smells like pumpkin essential oil, rosemary or lemon that can help to create a perfect place for your meditation practice while also improving concentration.
Step Two
Be aware of your body and ensure that you feel comfortable. This could mean sitting in a chair, on the floor, on your bed or outside. All you need to do is make sure that you can sit in that position for the duration of your session.
Step Three
Allow yourself to focus on your breathing, going in and out. Be self-aware and realise when you have allowed your mind to drift off. This is common, and all you need to do is return back to focusing on your breathing. Be kind to yourself and pass over the thoughts that distracted you.
Step Four
When you feel your session coming to an end, lift your head. If you have meditated with your eyes shut, then slowly open them. Come back into the room and allow yourself to focus on noises and objects. Listen to how your body and mind are feeling.
The Benefits of Meditation
Make sure to check out this list of some of the benefits of engaging in meditation:
- Stress relief;
- It may help to manage anxiety and improve self-esteem;
- Could help to manage the symptoms of depression;
- Helps to improve your attention span;
- Could improve memory;
- Helps to improve sleep;
- May decrease pain;
- It may make you kinder and more empathetic.
Top Tips
Here are some top tips to help you begin your meditation journey.
Tip #1 Choose a Designated Space
Choosing a designated space for your meditation is a great idea. Your body and mind will come to associate this space with your meditation. Also, you will be used to this environment and will therefore feel comfortable mentally and physically occupying this space.
Tip #2 Engage in Guided Meditation
There are plenty of apps and YouTube tutorials that can take you through meditation if you’re feeling overwhelmed or would simply like to try something new. There are also plenty of other different types of meditation that you can engage in if you feel the need to branch out or you’ve achieved all you can from mindfulness meditation. Why not research the other types? Some popular ones include movement meditation, spiritual meditation, loving-kindness meditation and transcendental meditation.
Tip #3 Use CBD Oil
Some people like to enrich their meditation with natural substances, and CBD is a popular one! It is a cannabinoid that is obtained from the cannabis Sativa plant. It’s kept company by many other compounds, such as other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. CBD is non-psychoactive, and this means that it’s not able to alter your state of mind or to feel the ‘high’ that’s commonly associated with the THC cannabinoid. CBD oil is made by diluting the plant material with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed or coconut oil.
CBD oil tinctures remain one of the most popular ways to consume the cannabinoid. You simply need to place your desired number of drops under your tongue, and the CBD will be absorbed into your bloodstream. You can also take CBD in many other ways, such as CBD pods, edibles, lotions, coffee and more.
So, why combine CBD and meditation? CBD is an all-natural substance that has gained a lot of attention during recent years. Some studies suggest that it could help to manage pain, which could be useful for meditation as it requires you to sit still for the duration of your session. Furthermore, CBD could potentially help to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms, which could help to get you in the right, calm frame of mind.
Final Thoughts
Mindful meditation can make a wonderful addition to your healthy lifestyle. There are some great benefits that it can provide, including helping you to feel in a calm state of mind. This is ideal for people who suffer from anxiety or who lead a hectic and busy lifestyle. Meditation lets you take time out of your day to focus on yourself and your thoughts. If you’re looking to enhance your meditation practice, consider exploring meditation apps. Stormotion developers can help you get the best meditation app for a convenient and deepened mindfulness journey. With user-friendly features and expert guidance, you can make the most of your meditation sessions, combining the power of mindfulness with the convenience of technology. Remember to find a comfortable place to enjoy your meditation and that you can accompany your session with natural substances, like CBD.