Here are most common questions that can arise in the mind of a new meditator. Few of them might have crossed your mind too and rightly so! Questioning means you are already into it and have started contemplating enough to have doubts. We have answered them for you in a simple way. 

1. What is the right time to practice meditation?

Ans: Any time is the right time. You can practice any time during day or night you feel inspired to. 

2. Where can I meditate?

Ans: Any place you find comfortable is right for meditating. 

Initially it might help though to create a right environment where you can place your seat, cushions with comfortable lighting and natural fragrance. 

3. How is it okay if I rest my back?

Ans: As a human being, it is important to keep your body at ease to explore experiences beyond your physical body. Imagine trying to sit with back ache for meditation. It will be a task to watch your breath in such painful situation. 

If you are sick and can not sit even with support, you can practice in lying down position, if that’s comfortable.

4. Why do I need to close eyes during meditation? Closing eyes makes me uncomfortable.

Ans: As human beings, we depend highly on visual sensory input to interact with surrounding. When you are trying to go within, touch your subconscious mind, open eyes is a distraction. Of course, there is open eye meditation as well. One needs to learn the basics first to experiment more.

Yes, It can be difficult for few people to close eyes. It can bring out various unwanted feelings. I suggest, you can explore other ways of meditation until you are ready to take this step.

5. How long do I practice meditation?

Ans: It’s made simple by masters who have been practicing meditation for many years! Practice meditation for minutes of your age. For example a person with age of 40 years would benefit from minimum 40 mins of daily meditation. 

If you are looking for particular benefit from meditation then it really depends.   Don’t you eat more food when you are really hungry? It is the same way around here! 

6. I do not find time in my routine to spend long duration in meditation. What do I do?

Ans: Initially it can be tricky to add time for meditation in your routine. I suggest you to find how much time are you willing or can afford comfortably to dedicate to meditate on daily basis. It could be even just 5 mins.

With dedication, give 5 mins everyday for yourself for 40 continuous days. If 40 seems too daunting, start with 21 days and continue to 40 later, if it feels right. And, reassess your commitment and explore your choice again at end of that period you promised yourself.

7. Which music to put for meditation? Is music must during meditation?

Ans: Music is not must during meditation. Sometimes, it does help you to anchor your thoughts with the help of music. Sound frequencies have an effect on our cells and hence, certain music can help you make and remain centred easily.

8. Are there any restrictions to practice meditation at certain times like death in family or during menstruation, pregnancy, sickness?

Ans: No. There are no such limitations to practice ‘Breath Awareness Meditation’. It is secular, beyond religious or otherwise limiting beliefs.

9. I may be falling asleep while meditating. Is that okay?

Ans: Sleep during meditation can occur due to many reasons. You may have started meditating after eating heavy meal or you are experiencing physical exertion. When your mind becomes calmer with closed eyes, in such situations it is highly likely you are dozing off. 

Sometimes it could also be yoganidra. If it is so, you will again automatically notice your breath after you come out of your ‘sleep’ with closed eyes. 

Being compassionate towards self is important. 

10. How do I know I am practicing right way?

Ans: Meditation is not an intellectual process, it is a journey from known to unknown with non-judgmental awareness. 

You will find answer to this yourself as you travel this journey. Experiment and experience. Don’t believe it because some else says so!

You can explore more about meditation with us. Continue to practice daily and enjoy all benefits of meditation !