Guided Meditation - An Easier Way to Meditate

Meditation is one of those words that conjures up different pictures to different people. However, meditation always has one central fulcrum, and that is it is a means to set aside conscious thought, remove external distractions, and allow you to focus on achieving a higher level of consciousness, plus a powerful inner awareness.

The Benefits of Guided Meditation

It is widely known that regular, or even occasional, meditation can have a number of important benefits. Those that I have personally experienced are lowering of blood pressure, alongside increased calmness, an increased sense of well being, and decreased stress. Self awareness is also greatly enhanced.

What is Guided Meditation?

Guided meditation, which is one the most popular meditation forms, is much as the name suggests: you have a guiding voice during the meditation rather than total silence. As the guided meditation session progresses, a voice is used to guide the meditation process along. That voice can be that of a coach, or even your own voice. The main reason guided meditation is preferred by some people, is that feel more relaxed listening to the voice of an instructor, and it helps to keep them focused. Some, though, think the sound of their own voice, and its greater intimacy is the most effective means of guided meditation session.

The most important, aspect, though, is the tone of the voice which is the "guide". It needs to be a soothing and relaxing voice. This will be more conducive to a successful guided meditation than an abrasive or distractive voice.

When it comes to the words that are used for guided meditation, simple words and phrases are more effective than complex phrases or any difficult ideas. The speed at which the voice speaks is important too. A rushed sentence will not aid deep meditation, whereas a slow and steady voice will.

There are several ways to enhance the guided meditation session and make it more effective. One of the most popular and effective methods is for the person leading the meditation to get in touch with his or her higher consciousness. When we are in touch with our inner consciousness, or words will flow through us more easily, resulting in a smoother and more productive session. This will pass on to the recipient of the guiding voice

It is also a good idea to have a goal for the meditation before the start. The guided meditation session that starts with a stated goal will be able to achieve a greater depth to a fuller purpose. It is best to state the goal of the guided meditation session as broadly as possible, such as “to be more relaxed ”.

Whatever type of meditation you use, breathing is an esential part of any meditation session, and breathing exercises are vital in guided meditation as well. In my experience, the breathing itself acts as a support to the voice of the instructor, working in tandem. It is important to breath deeply, completely, and through your nose, and to exhale each breath in totality. Increasing awareness of your breathing can deepen the power of any guided meditation session.

When you have finished a guided meditation session, always thank the guide, whoever it may be. You will have been on a short but intensive journey together.