How to Meditate…When You Don’t Know Where to Start
Meditation comes in many forms, and it can be challenging to know where to begin. Here are a few of my favorite meditation practices, which I’ve consistently practiced over the years.
First, did you know that Reiki itself is a form of meditation? Many are unaware of this, but Reiki is not only a meditation, it’s also an act of creating sacred space and ceremony. When I first learned Reiki 10 years ago, I discovered it as a gateway to tapping into my intuition and connecting with my higher self. In each session, I needed to clear my mind to focus on the client's energy field, so I highly recommend Reiki training to enhance their intuitive abilities. It’s a wonderful way to blend meditation with your intuitive practice, whether you're giving Reiki to yourself or others.
Another favorite way I meditate is through shamanic journeying. A shamanic journey is essentially a self-guided meditation with specific steps to gain insights into your life questions. To practice shamanic journeying effectively, you need to be able to see and hear spirit—gifts known as clairvoyance (clear seeing) and clairaudience (clear hearing). If you possess these two intuitive abilities, shamanic journeying becomes a fun and enriching way to meditate. I teach an introductory class to shamanic journeying, if you are interested in taking it, let me know.
But what if you're not Reiki trained or don’t have those intuitive gifts yet? How can you still meditate? One of the simplest and most accessible ways is to practice mindfulness meditation. I often recommend this to beginners. A great place to start is in nature, no matter where you live—your backyard, a park, or even a quiet corner in the city will do. Begin by focusing on your senses: what do you see, hear, and feel? Observe the world around you without participating or letting your mind wander. Just be present and aware.
There's a belief that your soul, or higher self, is the observer. Your mind, on the other hand, is linked to your ego and can often distract you with thoughts and worries. The goal of mindfulness meditation is to quiet the mind, allowing you to connect more deeply with your true self—the observer. Regular meditation helps you step back from the constant mental chatter and find inner peace.
For those just starting out, guided meditations are also an excellent resource. Platforms like YouTube and Spotify have countless options. These take the pressure off beginners, as the guide’s voice directs you through the process, helping you visualize and relax. This was how I began my meditation journey over 15 years ago, and I still use guided meditations to this day.
I hope these tips inspire you to start or deepen your meditation practice. Have you tried meditating yet? What has your experience been like?
If you're interested, I would love to create a class on meditation! Contact me and I’ll happily set one up.