7 Simple Meditation Tips to Help You Achieve Inner Peace

Some people think that meditation is really difficult, or that you need to be a full time monk to be able to meditate properly. That isn't the case, at all. While the concentration required is great, meditation is something that can help you achieve inner peace. I know “inner peace” sounds so cliche, but really, without peace what else do you have? Worry, frustration, and doubt? That's no way to live. Use these simple meditation tips to help get you on the right track to inner peace! Even if you just use them to calm down once in a while, they're valuable to have in the back of your mind if needed.

7 Simple Meditation Tips to Help You Achieve Inner Peace

I know, I know. You guys are like, “What in the world?! Why is this crazy chick talking about meditation so much?” – trust me, it's not something I expected to start talking about on my blog (especially after all the ranting I love to do), but after the rough few weeks I've had, meditation is needed.

Absolutely anyone can learn how to meditate quickly and easily. You don't have to go through an elaborate ritual to be able to meditate and get in touch with your inner self. Oh, and you don't have to be a monk, either. ;)

1. Choose the right teacher. Whether you are learning meditation with an online course or in a local group, pick a teacher you match well with. Also, be sure that they are teaching the kind of methods you agree with and can fit into your life. I needed a teacher that understood that it's nearly impossible for me to sit still – which is why I chose walking meditation.

2. Learn to relax your body. This part is so difficult for me, but I'm getting better at it. Practice makes perfect, right? If you're typically tensed up like I am, this may be the biggest skill you need to learn. But once you learn how to relax, you'll find meditation so much easier. Oh, and don't stress yourself about learning to relax, either! ;)

3. Take it easy. Nobody is going to give you a pop quiz on meditation. It doesn't matter if you are taking longer to learn meditation that someone else (like I am). It’s absolutely fine if you take your time to learn your technique. Everyone has their own speed of learning, and that is completely fine! Don't stress about it.

4. Respect yourself and others. This is something I learned when I was in karate as a teenager. Treat yourself and others respectfully. If you find yourself attracting negative people, change the signals you're sending out. Surround yourself with positivity. If that isn't possible, it's time to make your own positivity.

5. Get rid of distractions. Turn off your cell phone while you are meditating. Close down Facebook, turn off the TV… you get the point. Now do it. ;)

6. Join a meditation group. Meditation is much more fun in a group and you'll find that others are probably on a similar learning curve as you are. Groups generate their own energy, which helps a ton. Joining a group can widen your circle of friends and can be a booster to your confidence. Depending on the group's aim, you may also learn about different meditation techniques as the group progresses. If you find that the group isn't for you, don't hesitate to find another one.

7. Simply let go. The word “meditation” means trying to let go. Go with the flow. Allow what is happening to happen. Don't fixate on exactly what your meditation experience should or shouldn't be. Whatever will be, will be. It is what it is.

Have you tried meditation yet? What tips would you share with others that are just starting?