Q: I’m an absolute beginner. Is there an optimal state of mind to be in to meditate? What about time of day?
A: Welcome! The best time to meditate is when you can allow yourself to safely and fully engage in the moment. There is no special place or state of mind to be in, nor an exact way to practice. Mindfulness meditation meets you where you are. The mere thought of taking a minute to slow down is your cue to start.
You can try allowing your daily routines to become your meditation practice.
A 3-Step Mindfulness Practice to Carry You Through Your Day
1. When you get out of bed, notice your surroundings, feel your feet on the floor or your hands on your thighs, and be present with yourself. Feel the sun, notice the experience of water on the skin as you shower and brush your teeth. Notice how many colors are in the first meal you eat. Pausing for a moment to yourself is self-care, and is not selfish.
2. Continue this practice through the day. At any moment throughout the day you can look down, notice your feet on the floor (or wherever else you may notice you’re grounded to the earth), and invite a pleasant color or object in your immediate environment into the experience. Here you are! Present.
3. Notice your state of mind after meditation and allow that moment to lead your next step.
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A Mindfulness Practice for Nonjudgmental Awareness
Explore this 15-minute guided meditation to open up some space for yourself to sit with what is, rather than what if.
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A 12-Minute Meditation for Rediscovering Your Essence
In this guided meditation, Cara Bradley invites you to imagine stepping off the noisy city street into a quiet courtyard, a space where the chaos begins to fade, and your breath becomes your guide to calmness and clarity.
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A 12-Minute Meditation for Cultivating Daily Gratitude
In this guided meditation, Kim Armstrong walks you through a simple practice to expand your capacity for gratitude in the everyday moments of life.
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