The Beginners Guide to Meditation
Where to start.
Starting a meditation practice can feel a bit overwhelming at first. With so many styles and techniques out there—and the pressure to “stick with it”—it’s easy to feel unsure of where to begin. But here’s the good news: meditation doesn’t have to be rigid or complicated. Think of it like a buffet—you get to sample different options and find what resonates with you.
Once you discover a style of meditation that feels enjoyable or grounding, it becomes much easier to return to it regularly. Here are a few popular types to explore:
Breath-based Meditations - Square, Alternate Nostril, Mindful
Try a few and notice what feels calming or supportive. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. If you miss a day (or even a week), that’s okay. Meditation will always be there for you to return to. Pay attention to how you feel on the days you practice versus the days you don’t. This gentle noticing can serve as motivation to keep going.
One of my personal favorites is Metta Meditation, a practice focused on cultivating compassion for yourself and others. I’ve included a guided version here to help you get started.
Remember: meditation is a practice, not a performance. Go at your own pace, stay curious, and trust that even a few mindful moments can make a difference.