A beginner’s guide

A beginner’s guide to meditation

If you’ve been thinking about learning to meditate, now is the perfect time. Here are our tips to get you started.

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1 Practice makes perfect 2 Get comfy The benefits of meditation are find somewhere quiet where best experienced through you won’t be interrupted. If you repeated practice, so plan out are a parent with little ones, the how long you want a session best way to avoid interruptions to be and how often you want is to get the kids involved. Yes, to do it. Start small, say a doyou read that right: meditation able five minutes, and then is for kids too. It doesn’t matter work your way up. To help if you’re sitting, lying down or stick to your plan, be sure to standing up, just choose a allocate time in your regular position that you’ll be schedule. Also, try to find an comfortable in, and have a opportunity in the morning, so cushion and blanket nearby. if your day gets suddenly busy, Put on something cosy and you have already enjoyed some unwind time. 01 © Shutterstock/Stock Studio 02 © Shutterstock/fizkes 33 familymattersbyhwk.com.au

3 Choose your type There are many different ways to meditate. Walking, cleaning and cooking can even be considered forms of meditation (score!). Don’t feel like you’re locked in to only doing one type. Instead, experiment with different things to see what works for you, such as breathing exercises or repeating mantras. If this is your first time, start off with a guided meditation. This will help lead you through the process. A guide will also help bring you back to focus when your mind starts to wander, which it probably will.

Hot tip

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Download one of the apps on page 36 to assist with at-home meditation.

03 © Unsplash/Jay Castor 04 © Shutterstock/VGstockstudio

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4 Use a guide

Focus (and don’t get frustrated) Start off your meditation by focusing on a point on the ground in front of you or by closing your eyes. As mentioned, your mind will likely wander. The best thing you can do is notice the thought as it comes into your mind, accept it and then return your focus to your breathing.

That’s it! Meditation is about finding time for yourself and being present – simply keep your practice consistent and enjoy some ‘you’ time.