Meditation
Answers to questions commonly
asked by beginners
ANY PEOPLE FIND IT challenging to learn
meditation on their own. “This feels a little
strange,” and “Am I doing it right?” are com-
Mmon thoughts when starting a new practice.
I remember my early meditation days when it was difficult
to find a truly helpful book about beginning a meditation prac-
tice, and finding a suitable meditation CD was even harder.
Locating a meditation group that fit my schedule, pocketbook,
and preferences took some time, too. But with perseverance I
found all three.
What I liked best about my meditation group was sharing
our experiences. Hearing others comment, “I had trouble con-
centrating,” or “I heard the words ‘go up the stairs’ and then I
don’t remember anything else,” helped me feel, well, normal,
because I had those experiences sometimes, too.
Today, excellent books on meditation are readily available,
and one can listen to samples from meditation CDs before
making a purchase. A wide variety of meditation groups and
classes are offered locally-just look at the community events
section of this magazine!
Yet, with all of these resources, the experience of begin-
Should I meditate at the same time each day? This isning a meditation practice repeatedly brings up these questions
not necessary, although many people like to choose a time ofwith my meditation students:
day and stick with it.
What posture is best? Specific postures may be recom-Which meditation should I practice? Start with some-
mended for certain meditations, but generally, sitting in what-thing simple. Just select one that appeals to you, and try it for
ever position you find comfortable is best. several weeks.
What if I am interrupted? If possible, wait a few secondsHow often should I meditate? Daily is optimal. If this
before responding. You can minimize interruptions by unplug-proves difficult, set a comfortable personal goal and adjust it as
ging the phone and placing a “do not disturb” sign on the door. needed. Don’t let your meditation practice become a chore.
Am I doing it right? Yes. A common mistake is to over-When is the best time to meditate? Meditation is helpful
analyze meditation. There is no single correct way to meditate,before periods of activity, so morning is often recommended.
and there is no such thing as failure. Just enjoy and accept. AndMany people also find it relaxing after a busy day. And quick
remember, a meditation practice is like a physical fitness pro-meditations throughout the day, especially during stressful sit-
gram: The benefits increase over time. uations, can be beneficial. Try various times of day to see
which works best for you.
About the author: Joanne Franchina is theHow long should my meditations be? For beginners, I
founder of Inner Compass, a Cincinnati-basedrecommend brief sessions, perhaps five minutes (five minutes
life coaching practice. A certified medium andevery day is better than an hour once a week). Twenty-minute
ordained minister, Franchina uses meditationsessions work well with the body’s natural rhythms, yet many
in her own life for relaxation, creative inspira-people are content with a total meditation time of 10 to 15
tion, and spiritual connection. Contact her atminutes. As you become more comfortable with your medita-
513.587.9855 or www.YourInnerCompass.com. tion practice, you will likely want to create more time for it.
6 Whole Living Journal May-June 2008
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