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Meditation is often seen as a path to oneself. But does this mean that we must certainly walk this path alone? Not at all!
The benefits of meditation have been repeatedly proven: this practice helps to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, get rid of anxiety, and learn to better understand yourself. Meditation comprehensively contributes to our personal and spiritual growth. This is one of the best ways to discover your true self.
But, if you have already tried to meditate on your own or with the help of special applications, then you probably realized that mastering this practice can be very, very difficult. Focusing can often be difficult (even if you’re using apps), especially when there are so many irritants and urgent things to do.
With a pile of unwashed dishes in the sink and a pile of unanswered letters in the mailbox, meditation can seem like an unaffordable luxury. And even if we still begin to meditate, we are prevented by internal restlessness and overexcitation of the nervous system.
That is why beginners should sign up for real, not virtual group meditation classes and try to attend them regularly without missing them. Classes in a group “live” provide certain advantages that we will lose if we practice alone (even with a video instructor). Here are some of them.
1. You really have to meditate
You probably know how it happens: you promise yourself that you will meditate, and you really want to, but at the same time you have a lot of unfinished business. Everything distracts you. New emails and messages keep coming in. Starting to meditate, after a couple of minutes you remember that you forgot to take out the laundry from the washing machine.
By attending group classes, you take on certain obligations and you will definitely be doing meditation, and not something else.
2. You diversify the usual rhythm of life
Since the group meditation training is not taking place in your home, but in a new, unfamiliar, calm and neutral environment, it will be easier for you to move away from the habitual way of thinking and behavior that can interfere with achieving inner peace.
3. You will learn a lot
Meditation is both simple and complex at the same time. There are many obstacles waiting for you along the way, many of which are the fruit of the work of your mind. Overcoming them is much easier with an experienced mentor who will give you useful tips, help you get back on track if you get distracted, and teach proven techniques to help make your sessions more productive. In addition, you will have the opportunity to ask a question and receive an answer at any time.
4. You will be fueled by the energy of the group.
Remember any mass event where a joyful atmosphere reigned – a wedding or a concert of a symphony orchestra. The feeling of joy is contagious. All of you in the group training have come together to learn to meditate or simply to try to calm your mind and stop the chaotic flow of thoughts. A special atmosphere arises in the group, which helps to overcome the difficulties that arise and achieve a state of awareness. A sense of community with like-minded people can be very supportive during difficult times in your life.
Even if you regularly practice self-guided meditation, try to attend group sessions at least once a month. It will be especially useful for beginners to learn from more experienced comrades. Practicing together will give you the opportunity to connect with others who are also interested in practicing meditation for self-discovery and self-care.
By Connie L. Habash, Family Therapist, Yoga and Meditation Instructor.