There is no “one size fits all”. Everyone’s experience with meditation is different and varies based on preferences, lived experiences, seasons and more. Case in point: the first meditation I ever practiced was a body scan for what felt like an excruciating 20 minutes. Woof. That practice has since grown on me.

So what can you expect in a beginner meditation series with me? Where do we even begin?

Let’s start with positioning. As it turns out there is no one “right” way to meditate. We’ll play with both seated and lying down positions, so you have an opportunity to discover what your body is needing in that given moment. No rushing through it; there is time to tweak or adjust. 

The idea is to set yourself up in a way that feels most comfortable for you. And that varies from day to day. Sidebar: if you find that a position isn’t working, you’re welcome and invited to switch it up mid meditation. Mindfully of course, but please don’t stay still just for the sake of staying still.

From there, each session explores a different meditation practice. It’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s one that I hope feels accessible. I teach what I practice.

In our first meeting, we begin with a short breath watching practice. Don’t worry, I don’t jump right into 20 minute meditation practice. Typically this first practice is around 10 minutes long. From there, in the sessions that follow, we move to body awareness, sacred space (my personal favorite!), loving kindness and seasonal guided imagery practices. 

A note about sacred space: imagine a place for yourself that feels anywhere from comfortable to content to the most peaceful. We center a meditation around that space just for you. This meditation is literally the practice that redefined my understanding of what it can mean to meditate and why I chose to become a teacher.

Okay, back to the question “what is beginner meditation really?”. 

There are moments of silence and that can feel uncomfortable. We work up to the quiet. Your mind may (read: most definitely will) wander and that’s completely normal. The focus isn’t so much on doing it perfectly or even striving to do it a certain way; it’s more about noticing and coming back. For as many times as you need to. 

There will be time to check in at the beginning and time for reflection or questions at the end… sharing noticings, curiosities or whatever is coming up for you. I want this to be conversational, but you choose how much or how little you share. I’m here to offer guidance, but the practice is yours.

My hope is that we build a practice that fits into your life. One that is rooted in connection. Connection to self. Connection to community. It won’t be for everyone, but it might be for you.