The Benefits of Guided Meditation

If you take meditation out of the equation, one cannot expect to get the same results in practicing yoga. Indeed, this element in yoga practice is responsible for producing the spiritual and psychological benefits that one can expect from yoga. Without meditation, there is nothing that separates yoga from all other fitness and workout routines.

On the other hand, there is also something called guided meditation. It is distinct from meditation such that there is the guiding hand of an expert that facilitate in this process. The employment of guided meditation is common among beginners since entering the proper meditative state proves to be quite challenging. This will help teach them the basic techniques they need to learn about proper meditation and constant practice will lead to mastery. Hence, this will serve as an introduction into meditation as you will soon find out the more advanced techniques yourself later on. Unless you know the basics, only then must you try out unique methods that work for you and your specific goals for meditation.

With the increased popularity of yoga and the consequent rise in the number of people practicing it on a regular basis, it is now easy to find tools that you can use to aid this practice. One of those are guided meditation resources. The internet is the best place to start your search since you can quickly access the items you need within minutes. There are a lot of audio, video, and instructional materials that will enable beginner of all skill level to get started or learn the basics of meditation. Indeed, it is comparably cheaper as compared to hiring the services of a professional yoga instructor to teach you the techniques of meditation. And yet, most of these resources can even be downloaded online for free.

Meanwhile, you can also head on over to your local music store and there should be several choices of guided meditation music. Opt for those with instrumental or classic tunes, since they are best recommended during meditation.

Different people have different perception and sensory abilities. Therefore, they need different approach or medium for them to establish the proper mindset needed for the internal journey that is expect during yoga performance. When it comes to guided meditation, choosing the right guided meditation format is therefore crucial in determining whether it will prove successful or not.

*Guided meditation CDs – These are audio instruction that will help facilitate you through what are the steps you need to take during the act of meditation. With a detailed instruction, this works the same as having an actual yoga instructor helping you out to ensure that you are performing each step properly. In addition to instructions, it often comes with meditation music that will relax and soothe your mind and body. There are also addition techniques provided so you can focus and concentrate on attaining deep relaxation.
*Guided Imagery – These are visual tools utilized by beginners to yoga such that they can manipulate and actively involve their thoughts in the process of visualization. This will enable your mind to build up its power such that you can feel totally relaxed while your mind remains active. As the visualization technique is supercharged, deep feelings and emotions come in to the picture to truly accomplish your goals.

What Are The Benefits?

In a fast paced modern world, it is easy for one to get drowned with constant worries and stress due to juggling of different responsibilities at once. The use of guided meditation will therefore keep you in the right track, especially when you are having difficulties trying to focus. It will shift your focus inward for a truly deep experience.

The ability to become introspective is undoubtedly one of the biggest benefits that can be derived through guided meditation. The initial stages prove to be the most difficult in meditation, which requires you to have a clear mind for a few minutes until you have established the contemplative state. Without this, you can never achieve tranquility and inner peace through your practice of yoga meditation.

For beginners, this is an obvious benefit since you are utilizing the guiding hand and innate knowledge of a professional or expert. Whatever the format you use, that voice enters you and controls the way you think or feel. You give it the authority to take you through the process of achieving the state of deep relaxation. Those who are new to yoga tend to believe that relaxation happens by merely doing nothing. On the contrary though, this is an active process that requires your full participation and concentration. And without the aid of guided meditation, some people have trouble getting right into the proper state of mind needed for meditation.

Ways to Enhance Benefits of Guided Meditation

As a yoga practitioner, you must always aim to improve on your current practice. When using guided meditation, you cannot expect it to do all the work for you. You need to take certain measures that will enable you to enhance the benefits you are already experiencing. After all, the success of using this tool relies solely on your ability to apply the techniques taught to you.

Read more below to find out how you can improve your use of guided meditation and become more successful.

Expert yogis insist that anyone who intends to commit themselves into yoga must establish a purpose first. Without this, one could easily lose motivation to continue on with their practice. This is most especially true when results are not achieved right away. Defining your purpose will also enable you to determine exactly what methods you need to use and what format of guided meditation you need.

More Techniques to Enhance Your Guided Meditation

There are a few important components to keep in mind when using guided meditation during your practice to ensure that you can achieve your purpose:

• Eliminate all external sensory inputs. For you to do this, find a serene place where you can perform meditation. Also, choose to wear comfortable clothing so you can think less about your physical state and simply focus on what is inside.
• Always start your meditation practice with a stated intent. If possible, state it loudly to yourself so you can be more aware of it.
• Start your breathing exercises with slow but gradual breaths.
• Release yourself off any pressure from expected results. Learn to savor the experience instead.