There are many misconceptions surrounding meditation, and trying it for the first time can be scary. Here are 5 meditation techniques for beginners to help you get started.

1. Noisy Thoughts Are Normal

When you first start meditating, you may be surprised at how noisy your thoughts are. This is completely normal. One of the most common misconceptions about meditation is that it quiets the brain, which leads many people into believing that if our thoughts are still going, we are not meditating. This is false.

Meditation can lead to a more peaceful connection with our thoughts over time. This occurs because, as we learn to observe our thinking, we get the freedom to choose how we respond to our thoughts. Mindfulness meditation is about seeing what is happening without passing judgment; it is not about suppressing or deleting our thoughts.

2. There is no such thing as "wrong" or "bad" meditation.

We try to focus on the physical feeling of our breath as an "anchor," or a place we choose to return to in traditional mindfulness meditation. We observe our breath, and when our minds wander, we notice and choose to return our focus on the breath. That is what meditation is all about: practicing it again and again.

Each session is unique for both long-term practitioners and meditation teachers. Some are peaceful and simple, while others are a challenge. This rhythm will never change. We just keep practicing.

3. Committing to it on a daily basis can provide tremendous results.

When we continue to practice, and when we incorporate it into our daily lives, huge changes begin to occur. Our lives begin to shift as we become more accustomed to noticing our thoughts and more at ease sitting with, trusting, and loving ourselves. Even one minute of meditation is beneficial. Meditating for a longer period of time and on a regular basis can work wonders on your mind.

4. Experiment with different things until you find out what's best for you.

There are numerous types of meditation, including traditional mindfulness-awareness activities, loving awareness exercises, guided meditations, mantra and transcendental meditations, visualizations, religious-based practices, and many others. If you're interested in meditation but haven't tried it yet, it's recommended that you seek out different types to find out what works best for you.

There is a lot to be gained from delving thoroughly into a specific practice style, but don't be hesitant to try a variety of things to find what method, philosophy, or techniques resonate most strongly with you.

5. The best thing to remember is to be kind to yourself.

While meditation can help you find greater inner tranquility in your life, it can also be misused, just like any other skill. Meditation can quickly become a tool for self-criticism, especially if we believe we are doing something "wrong." Please keep in mind that you can't go wrong; meditation is a practice, not a perfect! Take it easy on yourself.

Also, be certain that any teacher or instructor you work with is gentle and kind to you. Unfortunately, there are many untrained meditation teachers and mentors out there. While there will always be some discomfort in meditation, the proper instructor or practice for us is one that makes us feel safe, whole, and flawless just the way we are.