Which out of two is Right for You?
Meditation can be an incredible tool for stress relief and mindfulness. Whether you’re new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, it’s important to know which method is best for you. There are two popular types of meditation: guided meditation and self-guided meditation. Let’s take a look at both and see which one might be right for your needs:
Guided meditation:
In guided meditation, you walk through a meditation with a teacher, either through an app, video, or audio recording. The guide leads you through the process, instructing you on where to focus your attention and how to breathe.
Advantages:
- Perfect for beginners – If you’re new to meditation, having someone guide you can help you stay focused.
- Fewer distractions – The guide helps keep your mind on track, especially if you’re easily distracted.
- Variety of exercises – Many guided meditations offer different themes, such as relaxation, stress relief, or emotional healing.
Disadvantages:
- Dependence on a guide – you may feel dependent on an instructor and struggle to meditate without one.
- Fixed time – you are working within the time frame of a guided session, which may not always fit into your schedule.
Self-guided meditation:
Self-guided meditation is when you meditate on your own, without following someone else’s voice. You focus on your breath, body or thoughts, and guide yourself through the process.
Advantages:
- Complete flexibility – you can meditate however you want, whenever you want and wherever you want.
- More independence – you learn to focus and meditate without relying on external help.
- Deepens your practice – as you practice more, you can develop a deeper connection with your inner self.
Disadvantages:
- Can be challenging initially – without a guide, it can be difficult to know where to focus your mind, especially in the beginning.
- It’s easy to get distracted – it’s easy to drift into random thoughts without someone guiding you.
Which is right for you?
If you’re just starting out, guided meditation may be the best way to help you stay focused and motivated. However, if you’re more experienced or looking for flexibility, self-guided meditation can help you deepen your practice. The best part? You can always combine the two! Try guided sessions when you need direction, and experiment with self-guided meditation to build your independence.
“Finding the right meditation style for you is the first step toward inner peace.” – A. Bansal