Beginning a Meditation Practice

Since 2020, Jigar Thakarar has managed marketing and partnerships at MusiCares, a nonprofit based in Santa Monica, California. In his free time, Jigar Thakarar enjoys philanthropy and meditation.

Most people are aware of the benefits of meditation, which include decreased stress and anxiety and increased focus. Still, despite awareness of these benefits, many people struggle to begin a meditation practice, often because they don’t know how to begin.

It is important to begin your practice by discarding any assumptions or stereotypes you’ve acquired about meditation, which might include unrealistic ideals such as meditating for hours and becoming enlightened. Instead, start small. Like running or doing other exercises, a meditation practice should be built up slowly. Even a few minutes of meditation a day can be beneficial.

If the idea of sitting in silence and observing the breath is unappealing, consider other types of meditations. Meditation apps and YouTube offer guided meditations that can provide new approaches. You can also find a group meditation or try meditating outside.

Be patient with yourself throughout this process and don’t expect change to come overnight. Like most health-related endeavors, the benefits of meditation develop and compound over time.