Meditation for Beginners

What is Meditation?
Meditation is the practice of mindfulness, of focusing the mind to achieve a mentally and emotionally clear, calm, and stable state of being. Meditation involves training your awareness to be present in the moment, while developing a healthy sense of self and perspective. It is the process of learning to observe your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.
What Are the Benefits of Meditation?
Consistent meditation has been found to benefit the nervous system in many ways, including:
Deeper feelings of relaxation
Decreased stress & anxiety
Enhanced mood & emotional well-being
Increased positive thinking & optimism
Improved sleep
Decreased pain
Reduced blood pressure
Enhanced cognition, attention span, & focus
Improved blood circulation
Lower heart rate
Decreased perspiration
Lower blood cortisol levels
Improved immune system functioning
Increased self-awareness
Slower respiratory rate
After consistent meditation practice, many people find that they are less impulsive, less reactive, and less judgmental. People who mediate often typically enjoy a stronger sense of calm, focus, and connection - with themselves and everything around them. Instead of getting stuck in their habitual, conditioned patterns, reactions, emotional wounds, and limiting beliefs, they instead begin observing them, reflecting - and releasing them.
What About Affirmations?
As your meditation practice develops, you may find it healing to go a step further and begin introducing positive affirmations at the end of your practice, as an intentional replacement of the limiting patterns and beliefs that you are releasing. “I Am” is one of the most powerful phrases you can utter; be mindful and intentional about what comes after it.
I Am Love
I Am Loved
I Am Worthy
I Am Happy
I Am Enough
I Am Blessed
I Am Strong
I Am Capable
I Am Healthy
I Am Flourishing
I Am Abundant

How Do I Get Started Meditating?
The key to meditation is simply to be in the present moment, without judgment, without resistance, without struggle. Thoughts, feelings, and sensations will come; observe and release them, then gently guide your attention back to your chosen meditation focal point.
There are many different techniques that you can use. We recommend trying a few different methods, and noticing what resonates with yo