GETTING STARTED

Tools and Tips to Begin a Meditation Practice

START WITH THE ESSENTIALS: TIME AND INTENTION. THEN BEGIN.

Starting your own mindfulness meditation practice can seem overwhelming, and beginners often have many questions:

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- What supplies do I need?

- What is the best form of meditation?

- Should I use a structured meditation program?

- Do I really need a teacher, or is an app sufficient?

- Do I REALLY need to meditate 45 minutes every day?

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Answers to these questions are as unique as the new meditator asking them. An experienced teacher can help you decide what is best for you.

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Regardless of what you decide is the best starting point, there are 2 things that a

any teacher will agree are essential for success:

- Creating an intention for your practice

- Creating devoted time to practice

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For every meditator, the practice is truly that - a practice. What is initially the best option for practice will undoubtedly change over time, both as the skill of the practitioner increases and the needs of the practitioner change. This development is far from linear, and at times may feel like "1 step forward, 2 steps back." Remember this is part of the process - and is where that intention and time commitment become key. It's no secret to seasoned meditators times which feel most stagnant are often times just prior to a significant breakthrough or time of significant healing.

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Ultimately, the most important part of beginning a meditation practice is to start. Start where you are, regardless of where that is - after all, awareness and acceptance of where you are underscores the foundation of mindfulness practice. And when things don't go according to plan, as at times inevitably happens, begin again...and again...and again.