Commonly Asked Questions About The Practice Of Meditation

Whether you are new to meditating or a seasoned practitioner, I have summarized a list of commonly asked question that I have received about meditation which you should find useful. If you have questions that are not listed here, please reach out and I’ll be happy to answer them for you.

Where is the best place to meditate in my house?

If you are meditating at home, I recommend that you designate a room specifically for meditation. The space should be quiet, clean, and uncluttered with minimal distractions. Over time, the ambiance of your meditation room will feel peaceful and become a positive reinforcement for your practice.

Is it okay if I fall asleep while meditating?

There might be times when you fall asleep while meditating. Occasionally, this is okay as your body is needing rest at that moment. However, the goal of meditation is not to fall asleep but to remain in a calm focus. In this relaxed but alert state, your conscious mind and subconscious mind are forming a bridge which can allow important information to surface.

Can you meditate while walking?

A walking meditation is pleasant to do. When you are walking, the goal is to simply be present and in-the-moment. You can observe your surroundings and enjoy the scenery without making a judgement or forming emotional attachments to what you are experiencing. This is the art of mindfulness.

Can meditation be used to help study for an exam?

Studies have shown that people who meditate on a regular basis have unique brainwave patterns which are dominated by the Alpha and Theta frequencies. Alpha and Theta brainwave frequencies are associated with the ability to maintain a calm and clear focus which is ideal when you want to study for an exam.

Can meditation help with weight loss?

Meditation is a great tool for weight loss because it decreases stress. When we experience chronic stress, our cortisol levels become too high which is a significant factor in weight gain. Please read How Meditation Helps with Weight Loss.

Do you have to breathe “in-through-your-nose” and “out-through-your-mouth” for meditation to be beneficial?

Focusing on your breath will help to keep your mind from wandering. It is not necessary to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth to obtain this benefit. The key is AWARENESS. Becoming aware of your breathing helps to cultivate a single-minded focus which helps to keep distracting thoughts from entering your consciousness.

Is it better to meditate in the morning or night?

You can meditate in the morning or night depending upon your preference. I prefer the morning as it helps to create a positive tone for the rest of my day. Some people prefer meditating before bedtime as it helps them to sleep better. It is a matter of choice.

How do you handle distracting thoughts that run through your mind?

When you notice that your mind is being distracted by unwanted thoughts, bring your attention back to your breath. Keep focusing on your breath with each inhale and exhale. You can also imagine placing your thoughts in a balloon and watching the balloon float away.

Can I use meditation to help reach my goals?

Yes! During your meditations you can visualize what you would like to manifest. The technique of visualization is based on the Law of Attraction which means that we attract and manifest what we consistently focus upon. This is a proactive form of meditation.

Authored by Susan Kapatoes, founder of Inspire Your Journey.