Meditation has long been known to our ancestors; the earliest written records of meditation date back to Hindu traditions around 1500 BC, spreading to Taoist China and the new Buddhist tradition beginning to spread in India nearly millennium later.
Apart from sporadic appearances in new age religion in the last century, the West has traditionally attached little import to the practice.
However, times are changing.
Far from facing revival as a short lived fad; meditation is re-emerging as a tool used both by doctors to help combat depression and anxiety as well as by everyday people looking to steady their busy and stressful lives.
Definitions of meditation often recall words like "reflection" or "contemplation" therefore in theory no groups or classes are needed.
Meditation is a deeply personal experience, one that certainly doesn't require other individuals.
Descriptions of meditative exercises can be found on my website and with the advent of the internet it has never been easier to access videos of exercises and demonstrations on websites and on YouTube.
Of course, as with any internet searches, you may have to do a degree of research and trial and error before you find a video that suits you.
Furthermore, websites like Amazon are brilliant resources for locating books to assist with all aspects of meditation.
One of the benefits of the studying the practice this way is that you can start almost immediately, can tailor the sessions to your own preferences and affords you a degree of privacy when slipping into a meditative state that you may not achieve if uncomfortable around other people.
However, there are many benefits to joining a local group (These can be found in local community centers, Buddhist centers or increasingly by referral from your G.
P.
) Primarily, a large benefit is that your teacher is in the room with you and can resolve any queries that you might have there and then.
Secondly, you would place yourself among st like-minded people who may help you to develop your skill as well as create social interaction.
Finally, one of the most difficult things about meditation, in my opinion, is having the discipline to not only do it frequently but to try and keep the mind still.
The early days of learning to meditate can be frustrating if you feel your mind is rushing off to the next day's events, what to cook for tea or what bills you haven't yet paid.
This sort of thought process is entirely normal for a beginner but can cause frustration and therefore starting a group with other beginners may help you to remain motivated.
Additionally, it can be helpful and relaxing to give the timekeeping over to another person.
If you go to a class you can allow yourself to meditate without worrying about how long you've got left or get distracted by jobs you may have to do around the house.
Going to a class will force you to set aside some time for yourself and for meditation.
In summary, there are pros and cons for each method and different people and lifestyles will prefer different ways.
Ultimately, what matters is that you find a manageable way to meditate that works for you and keeps you motivated.
Please visit my website to learn more about me and my journey with meditation as well as my tips, exercise suggestions and helpful links to help you get started.