Getting Started with Meditation

Where and When to Meditate

Any time can be a meditative moment – it’s all about awareness and intention.

  • It’s better to have a short meditation practice than no meditation practice at all. Find a time that works and stick with it – consistency is the key.

  • Start gently. If new to meditating engaging in too long an initial stretch may put you off from keeping up with a practice. Start with small increments of time, say five minutes, and increase it as you get used to being still for longer periods.

  • Turn any available space into a meditation area – the deck or patio, the bathroom, a corner of the room, while on the bus or train, out by a favourite spot in nature. Ideally, you want to pick a spot where you'll not be disturbed. Consistently return to that same place and your subconscious mind will positively anticipate what’s coming next.

Preparing to Meditate

  • The objective is to be relaxed but alert. It helps to anchor your practice by focusing on your deep, regulated breath, a sacred word or phrase (mantra), an object such as a candle flame, a body part, or an inanimate object, to which you can return your attention when you've noticed your mind has wandered.

  • If you feel antsy and distracted perhaps begin your meditation with gentle movements or stretches and then become a witness to your breathing

  • Be clothed in your right mind – that’s the only dress code! That is, set a clear intention to meditate. Having said that, you may want to ensure that your clothing is comfortable and unrestricted.

  • Ensure you are physically comfortable in your meditation position or environment. Have a blanket or shawl handy, as deep relaxation cools the body temperature drops. Remove the blanket if you become too warm or feel sleepy.

  • Avoid strong scents and perfumes, especially if meditating with a group.

  • Where possible, avoid meditating around lots of electrical or electronic equipment.

 

Tune In 

Click here to download free episodes of Rev. Paulette’s bi-weekly Touching the Stillness podcast each containing a guided meditation, affirmations and mindfulness tools & tips—designed to make your practice relevant in navigating cultural, social, and political developments in the world around us.

Unfortunately, Unity Online Radio archived episodes of the show from November 2008 to August 2018 are no longer available at present.