Strategery
Silver Contributor
FASTLANE INSIDER
Read Rat-Race Escape!
Read Fastlane!
Read Unscripted!
Summit Attendee
Speedway Pass
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
299%
- Jun 25, 2019
- 307
- 917
- 39
I've been meditating for several years, I started back when I was in college. For me the biggest advantage is the choice that meditation makes you aware of... that is, you may not be able to cease feeling thoughts/emotions, but you can choose whether or not you want to react to them. Obviously, this takes a long time to get to this point, and I'm not exactly Buddha, but consistent meditation has definitely helped me to control anger.
As far as how long to practice, I would do less than you think you can at first. Whether your habit is 5 minutes daily or 1 hour daily, a habit is a habit. Start small to train your mindfulness muscle.
Any app is good, I've used Headspace, Calm and Waking Up, with Headspace being my favorite. If cost is an issue, just use Headspace or Waking Up until you feel like you don't need to be guided, then switch to a free app and just use the timer.
As far as technique, mindfulness is my favorite, and is usually the type that is tested in scientific studies and whatnot. Although Loving Kindness meditation is worthwhile, too.
Applying your practice in every day life is the overall goal, and is also the most difficult part of meditation. Anyone can sit for 5 minutes in the morning, feel peaceful, only to have it all undone by some dickhead pulling out in front of you. The more you practice, the less likely that traffic, bad bosses, or the guy that takes up three parking spaces will cause an outward reaction.
As far as how long to practice, I would do less than you think you can at first. Whether your habit is 5 minutes daily or 1 hour daily, a habit is a habit. Start small to train your mindfulness muscle.
Any app is good, I've used Headspace, Calm and Waking Up, with Headspace being my favorite. If cost is an issue, just use Headspace or Waking Up until you feel like you don't need to be guided, then switch to a free app and just use the timer.
As far as technique, mindfulness is my favorite, and is usually the type that is tested in scientific studies and whatnot. Although Loving Kindness meditation is worthwhile, too.
Applying your practice in every day life is the overall goal, and is also the most difficult part of meditation. Anyone can sit for 5 minutes in the morning, feel peaceful, only to have it all undone by some dickhead pulling out in front of you. The more you practice, the less likely that traffic, bad bosses, or the guy that takes up three parking spaces will cause an outward reaction.