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Getting Started with Meditation

Middle age man meditating in the grass near a beach

Have you ever wanted to try meditation for self care, but wondered, ‘Where do I even start?’ It can be overwhelming and frustrating to feel like you can’t calm your mind even for a couple of minutes. There are many different types of meditation, and finding those right moments that allow you to center your thoughts varies from person to person. 

It’s important to figure out why you want to start the practice of meditation. Because it has become an almost ‘trendy’ thing to do, you want to make sure your quest to meditate is going to be truly beneficial.

Then, start small. While the ideal goal for you might be meditating everyday for an hour, it is almost impossible to achieve that at the beginning. We all have busy lives, and it is hard to carve out time allotted to just ourselves. Even if you’re able to get in the habit of practicing everyday, the amount of time you can spend can also vary. Start with two minutes, then go to five. Stay on five for a few times a week, and gradually move up the amount of time and the frequency until you find the right fit.

Even just two minutes of sitting, calming your mind, and focusing on your body, your breathing, your mind can make a difference. Take a look at this article from Zen Habits on Meditation Guide for Beginners for a good place to start. And good luck!

Dr. Melissa Estavillo, PsyD

Dr. Melissa Estavillo, PsyD

Dr. Melissa Estavillo is a Licensed Psychologist and founder of Biltmore Psychology and Counseling. With over 7 years of experience, she specializes in both individual and couples therapy in Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ.

She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques stemming from Emotionally Focused Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, and Other Evidence-Based Practices to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client.

Book Now

Getting Started with Meditation

Middle age man meditating in the grass near a beach

Have you ever wanted to try meditation for self care, but wondered, ‘Where do I even start?’ It can be overwhelming and frustrating to feel like you can’t calm your mind even for a couple of minutes. There are many different types of meditation, and finding those right moments that allow you to center your thoughts varies from person to person. 

It’s important to figure out why you want to start the practice of meditation. Because it has become an almost ‘trendy’ thing to do, you want to make sure your quest to meditate is going to be truly beneficial.

Then, start small. While the ideal goal for you might be meditating everyday for an hour, it is almost impossible to achieve that at the beginning. We all have busy lives, and it is hard to carve out time allotted to just ourselves. Even if you’re able to get in the habit of practicing everyday, the amount of time you can spend can also vary. Start with two minutes, then go to five. Stay on five for a few times a week, and gradually move up the amount of time and the frequency until you find the right fit.

Even just two minutes of sitting, calming your mind, and focusing on your body, your breathing, your mind can make a difference. Take a look at this article from Zen Habits on Meditation Guide for Beginners for a good place to start. And good luck!

Dr. Melissa Estavillo, PsyD

Dr. Melissa Estavillo, PsyD

Dr. Melissa Estavillo is a Licensed Psychologist and founder of Biltmore Psychology and Counseling. With over 7 years of experience, she specializes in both individual and couples therapy in Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ.

She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques stemming from Emotionally Focused Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, and Other Evidence-Based Practices to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client.

Book Now

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