Meditation is a practice that involves intentionally focusing your mind. It can help us become more aware of our thoughts, become more present, and cultivate compassion and connection. There isn’t a right or wrong way to meditate so it’s important to find a technique that meets your needs.

The Basics

Those unfamiliar with the practice, might imagine someone sitting on the floor with their legs crossed in complete silence. But in reality, meditation does not require you to sit a certain way or for your surroundings to be completely quiet. Here are some meditation basics that will help get you started!

Get Comfortable

Sit how and where you feel comfortable. The important thing is to keep your back straight with your neck and shoulders relaxed and your chin slightly tucked.

Embrace the Noise

Silence is not necessary to practice meditation. Embrace your surroundings and begin your practice with the expectation that noises will happen. And when they do happen—notice your thought, let it go and return to your breath.

Timing

There is no right or wrong time to meditate, and it only requires a few minutes of your day. A short meditation practice can be five minutes or less.

Slowly increase the time of your meditation session as you develop a consistent practice.

Practice Consistency

Headspace suggests meditating a few times a week or daily, but says that completing one meditation can lead to a reduction in the mind wandering.

Schedule meditation sessions like you would schedule your Midtown Yoga classes. If you miss a day, don’t sweat it! Just pick up where you left off.

Like most things in life—the more you practice, the more you’ll feel the benefits.

The Benefits

Meditation has a positive impact on mental, physical and emotional health. Here are six common benefits that come with practicing meditation:

Enhance self-awareness
Reduce and more effectively manage stress
Improve focus and attention span
Sense of clarity
Improve sleep
Increase positive emotions and compassion

Be kind to your mind and remember that there isn’t a right or wrong way to meditate.

If you’re curious about meditation, check out our upcoming workshops and class schedule to practice as a community.

MY Unwind begins with long slow stretches to prepare your body for breathwork and guided meditation.
MY Connect marries the intensity of our signature MY Hot Flow with grounding breathwork and meditation for a transformational practice.

Meditation for Beginners