INSIDE: Want to know how to get into a meditative state of consciousness so you can easily access all the benefits of meditation? The answer is here for you!

 

Meditation has become quite popular in recent years as a means to lower stress, boost concentration, and promote general well-being.

And even though it has been practiced in some shape or form for thousands of years to promote inner calm and spiritual development, most of us don’t really know how to get into a meditative state.

After all, we weren't taught growing up.

If you don’t know how to get into a meditative state and frequently experience restlessness or distractions, there are a few key solutions you can turn to so that you can make meditation a daily practice.

But before we examine how to get into deep meditation, the most profound piece of advice is to remember to treat yourself well. Expecting to enter a state of meditation immediately is unrealistic, and it's okay if your mind occasionally wanders or you feel restless.

The abilities and habits required to attain a profound level of calm and attention must be developed through practice, and this requires time and patience.

Enjoy the process of learning how to get into a meditative state and develop your own personal style of meditation practice rather than striving for perfection according to someone else’s experiences.

How to Get into a Meditative State

While the ultimate end goal of meditation is usually to be able to sit for an extended amount of time to achieve a clear mind, there are more than a few ways to get into the meditative state of consciousness.

For instance, one can practice meditation guided by breath or moving meditation, which is concentrated focus during physical activity. Regardless of your chosen path, there are a few key aspects to focus on.

Let's discuss these key elements to help you get into a meditative state of mind...

Breathing

For meditation experts and rookies alike, the most important part of falling into a meditative state of consciousness is rhythmic breathing. Without a doubt, it is the focal point that centers the mind and creates inner tranquility.

The emphasis on breath control is frequently utilized as a technique to aid in the cultivation of mindfulness and mental attention in meditation practices like yoga and tai chi. When the mind wanders, practitioners are instructed to use their breath as an anchor to bring their attention back to the present.

This focus on breath regulation is one of the easiest ways to learn how to get into deep meditation and increase sensations of tranquility.

Basic Meditation Breathing

Use these steps to utilize breath work to enter a state of meditation:

1. Start by taking a few deep breaths in through the nose.
2. Carefully and slowly exhale through a small opening in the lips after each inhalation.
3. Allow your thoughts to settle and become quiet as you concentrate on how your breath feels traveling in and out of your body.

Counted Breathing

Another method for controlling your meditation through breathing is by counting. Here's what this process looks like:

1. Start by taking a slow, four-count inhalation, followed by a slow, four-count exhalation.
2. Repeat this for a few breaths while concentrating on how your body feels.
3. If the four-count feels unnatural and too long, you can either inhale or exhale slower, or keep the same forceful inhale/exhale strength, but with a shorter count of two or three.
4. After some time, you’ll be able to maintain rhythmic breathing and your mind will effortlessly fall into relaxation without the need to keep count.

Alternate Breathing

A more advanced technique, called alternate breathing, involves breathing with the left and right nostrils individually and alternately. To accomplish this, follow these steps:

1. Seal your right nostril with your thumb and take a deep breath through your left nostril.
2. Softly exhale through your right nostril while using a finger to shut your left nostril.
3. Repeat this 3-6 times, then switch to the other side, beginning by inhaling through your right nostril. 

Warning

During any type of breathing exercise, especially for beginners, it is normal to feel a bit light-headed or dizzy. Don’t worry; this is completely normal when switching from mouth breathing to nostril breathing.

If you experience this, take a break and breathe normally until your senses return to normal. With more practice, this sensation will be felt less and less. 

There are surely other breathing methods that can help you learn how to get into a meditative state. For those already active in sports and physical fitness, these breathing methods may be second nature. If so, the focus can be shifted to another aspect of meditation.

Use Meditation Crystals

Many people find that with the help of meditation crystals, they can get into a meditative state of consciousness much more easily than they can on our own.

Meditating with crystals is easy and fun. All you have to do is hold one in your hand or even just place some crystals around you.

Crystals put out certain frequencies that can help us get into a certain state of mind. Here are some of our favorites for meditation:

• Amethyst - Perfect for quieting the mind and tuning into your intuition
• Lapis Lazuli - Tap into altered states and psychic abilities
• Sodalite - A soothing crystal that improves concentration and focus
• Aquamarine - Settle down quickly with the help of this beautiful stone
• Rose Quartz - Access the frequency of love and kindness

Moving Meditation 

There are many different types of meditation, and you might be happy to know that you don't have to just sit still all the time.

Moving meditation is distinct from regular exercise in that it emphasizes awareness and mental attention along with physical activity, making it easy to get into a meditative state of mind. It is done with the intention of attaining a sense of quiet, relaxation, and mental clarity, as opposed to regular exercise, which is performed with the objective of burning calories or developing strength and endurance.

During moving meditation, the emphasis is set on building a sense of inner calm and serenity, as well as being present in the moment, so it is best to engage in a physical activity that can be done alone and without much thought.

Exercises such as running, swimming, or yoga are perfect activities for “zoning out” and moving intentionally and mindfully.

As long as you pay attention to the demands and limitations of the body, rather than pushing yourself to the point of fatigue, a state of mental clarity and relaxation can be achieved and noted. By reaching this point during movement, it can then be more easily attained in a static state, such as sitting quietly with eyes closed.

Concentrating on bodily awareness and developing a sense of presence and mindfulness by focusing on the physical sensations in your body can help you identify your own personal point of meditation.

Mantras

A mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated to help focus the mind and cultivate a sense of calm. It's one of the easiest ways to learn how to get into a meditative state.

Mantras are effective instruments that can be utilized to assist those looking to enter a meditative state. A mantra can be quietly repeated or spoken out loud. The mantra's repetition aids in bringing about mental calmness and a sense of concentration and focus.

For instance, the mantra, "Om," is frequently used to encourage tranquility and harmony, while the mantra, "So Hum," can help us connect with the cosmos and our true selves.

Mantras are usually selected because of their spiritual importance or their capacity to evoke a certain emotion or mood.

While there are countless existing mantras in many languages to choose from, it is always an option to create a unique and personal mantra for yourself. If you’re having difficulty making one, take an existing mantra and simply change a few keywords to make it more personal to you.

Final Thoughts

Don't worry if you still have questions regarding how to get into a meditative state. As with any discipline, mastering meditation and expanding your consciousness requires time, perseverance, and most of all, private practice.

Think of meditation like getting a mental massage. Just like a massage helps us release tightness in our bodies, meditation is an opportunity to let go of all the stress and tension that accumulates in our thoughts.

Even the most seasoned meditators started from zero and eventually learned ways to get into a meditative state by using someone else’s technique or creating their own. So inhale deeply, unwind, and have faith in the procedure. Before you know it, you'll be able to experience meditation's many advantages with consistency and dedication.

* Crystals and stones should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Please read our full disclaimer notice here.