How can I start meditating?
 

I've heard from many people that meditating helps one build spiritual and inner strength. But I'm really new to meditation and am confused by so many theories. Could you guys offer me some suggestions for an easy start?

Hi, meditation is to be with what arises. I recommend to find an online meditation course (for example Google for: learn online vipassana meditation).
But it can be a real struggle to do on your own (it takes a lot of inner discipline) so I recommend to find a local teacher.

Guided meditations are a good way to start....there are lots on youtube so pick one that feels good and relax and enjoy it:smile:
Eventually you can move to silence but take it easy at the beginning unless you have a natural ability to quieten everything down then nothing but silence is all you will need....Best of Luck:smile:

Sure. If you go online you'll find a lot of different things, and personally, I wouldn't go looking for guided meditations (which is just an example of how you'll be given contradictory 'advice'), but I suggest going back to the simple spiritual fundamentals of truthfulness and taking it from there.

Thank you. And by guided meditation you mean the one where the voice tells you to relax and so on?

Yes, they might say deep breath in certain way, imagine some nice things, things like that. I guess it could be fun. The main point is, you know how to sit down and relax for a few minutes and start to look inwardly, or be aware of your breath or body. This is good meditation and you don't need things to distract you from that.

I agree with Gem in that reading from too many sources can be confusing. Pick a tradition and go for it.

The easiest start is
To sit comfortably
Smile and
Be silent

Do what you feel is right
And don't feel that it may be wrong
As long as you have no goal
You are doing it right

Be patient with it all

Great advice..

The easiest way to start is to focus on the breath, breathing through the nose and just following each inhale and exhale, because the breath is always present. Choose a sensible time period - maybe 15 minutes. As you become comfortable with meditation then you can always try sitting for longer or experimenting with different practices.

Peace.