Meditation is something a lot of people struggle with at first. It seems like an impossible task- trying to think about nothing! That’s one of the biggest reasons folks stop trying. Truthfully, that’s not what meditation is all about. Even the most experienced practitioner will find distractions creep in like clouds on a clear blue day. It’s not the act of wrestling your busy mind into quiet submission.

Meditation is not a religious practice, although folks of many faiths can be found utilizing it as a part of their practice. You don’t have to buy your way into it, and no one can do it for you. Part of its beauty is that you can do it anywhere, for any length of time. You don’t have to devote hours of your day like the hermit on the hill. It’s just as accessible as you allow it to be, you can make yourself a personal retreat or you can start right now, as you are.

It’s so easy to get caught up in trying to cultivate the perfect space and time, that often keeps us from the practice of sitting with ourselves. There will always be distractions, someone demanding your attention.

The best thing you can do is to begin where you are, and let go of your expectations. Meditation can be very messy at first. You will develop itches in places you never noticed a sensation before. Your partner/child/roommate/pet will demand your attention. You will worry about something that happened three weeks ago with a stranger you will never see again. You’ll remember every other thing you should be doing instead.

It’s hard. At first.
You will have to sit with difficult emotions. You will be uncomfortable sometimes. But the rewards are so worth it. Meditation will help improve the success of your spells. It will forage neural pathways that will allow your mind to function better. It helps boost your mood and improve concentration. The more frequently you practice meditation, the greater the benefits will become.

Okay, okay.
You get the point. Now where to begin!? There are so many different ways to meditate, just like magickal practices. Find what works for you and try that! Here are a few types of practices, so you can get a better understanding of the variety that exists.

One of the easiest forms to start with is guided meditation. This is best practiced with headphones. Basically you sit with a teacher or prerecorded voice for a set amount of time. One of the things that make this method so great for beginners is that usually, these meditations include reminders to bring your intentions back to center. You can choose an intention to work with- like anxiety relief, or loving-kindness; which will help your mind to relax. Or you could find something like Yoga Nidra or a body scan, which calls your attention to the present sensations being felt in your body.

These types are easily found online, in places like apps and video streaming services. You can even find some on music streaming services.

Another type of meditation that is great for its simplicity, is where you use your own visualization to keep focused. This method is a little harder upfront, but you’ll see rewards a lot sooner. You can do some of the same types of things you find with a guided meditation, like using mantras, affirmations, or body scans. One method I really enjoy is imagining a small flame at the center of my body and watching its stillness in spite of what is going on around me.

Somethings that are great for getting started are meditation aids. There are a few great free apps that feature guided meditations and timers. One I love is called Insight Timer. It has a tracker so you can keep tabs on your practice, and it has a wonderful feature where you can add bells and sounds to help keep your brain from straying too far off track.

You can also use things like candles for a focal point, or your breath. When you notice your attention has strayed, just come back to these things and regain focus.

I also love using mantras in meditation, with the aid of malas. This is a piece of jewelry, usually consisting of a knotted strand of 108 beads and a Guru bead with a tassel attached. They look really similar to Rosary beads and are used in the same way. You can even use a Rosary if it resonates with your practice. I really love the malas made by Moon Charms Jewelry, which you can find here.

Traditionally Malas are from a Buddhist practice. They are several interpretations as to why they contain 108 beads. There is correspondences with astrology - 12 months x 9 planets = 108. There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet, with each letter having a Shakti (feminine) and Shiva (masculine) energy - 54 x 2 =108. It’s also said that the diameter of the sun is 108 times the earth. It’s open to interpretation!

The Mala, when paired with an affirmation or Mantra, is a very powerful way to meditate or even perform Magick. Here are some of my favorite Mantras to use during meditation, just to give you an idea of how adaptable this practice is!

*om mani padme hum -From Tibetan Buddhism
*I am open to receiving abundance in all forms.
*Things are always working out for me.
*I am powerful, Safe, and Happy.
*I am worthy of everything I desire.
*This too shall pass.

You can say just about anything that resonates with you. Play around with different ones based on your mood! You can also use mantras to invoke a deity, or show your devotion to them.

Here are some tips to help you be successful in your new venture!

* Make yourself a space for meditation, and devote a certain time of day to your practice. Take the guess work out of things. When it’s the right time (say before bed), Sit down in your chosen space and carve out a meditation ritual for yourself. The consistency will help your brain form a new habit, and once its established you might find that even the presence of your meditation space will bring you calmness. Also, if you live with others, consider using some sort of signal to let them know not to disturb you.

*Use ear plugs or headphones (if doing a guided or assisted meditation). By blocking out some of the distractions around you, your brain will have less trouble focusing on what your desired outcome is.

*Set a timer. This is helpful for visualization and non-guided meditation. I find a bell at a certain interval helps my brain to come back to center. There is also a very nice sense of accomplishment after sitting for a full meditation session. Insight Timer is a great app for this.

* Let go of expectations. I find that unexpected emotions happen when meditation more often than not. Don’t judge yourself harshly for having these thoughts. Don’t try to dismiss them either, because often they have a lot to teach. Learn to sit with the unexpected, just like you would a friend. Allow space and expression, and when you are ready move back to center.

*Keep a pen and paper close by. As soon as you start meditating, you will see why! Some of my best ideas have come up during meditation. I also believe that when we are focused like this, our spirit guides often come to visit with us. So before you dismiss a feeling or idea, be sure to allow it to unfold, don’t cut off your guides! Be sure to finish meditation before allowing the writing of ideas, the good ones will wait for you.