The Best Time for Meditation and the Duration to Start

Jai Gurudev. Namaste.

The time for meditation and its duration vary widely from person to person. While some individuals prefer the early morning for a peaceful start to the day, others find the evenings more relaxing. Each person has a unique experience, and the ideal time for meditation can be discovered through self-experimentation. However, there are some guiding principles that can help you establish a meditative routine that suits you best.

When is the Best Time to Meditate?

Early Morning: The early morning often offers a calm environment free from external disturbances, making it a popular choice for many. This period can provide a serene backdrop for setting intentions and starting the day with a sense of clarity and peacefulness.

Evening: For some, the evening can be more conducive to meditation because it marks a transition from the day's activities. Evening sessions can help unwind and clear the mind of the day's clutter.

No Fixed Best Time: Ultimately, the best time for meditation is not a fixed schedule but a time that allows you to relax and connect with your inner self. It is not about forcing yourself to meditate at a specific time but finding a time that naturally dovetails with your natural rhythm and allows you to be in a state of calm.

Starting with a Baseline Duration

Meditation does not need to be complex. Starting with 10 to 20 minutes daily is a good baseline. This can gradually be extended as you get more comfortable with the practice. Importantly, it is crucial to adjust the duration based on what feels right for you. The goal is to make meditation a sustainable part of your daily routine without feeling pressured or overwhelmed.

Understanding Meditation

Meditation is not a forceful act. It is not about controlling the mind but rather about letting it be. Attempting to control your thoughts through forced techniques can be counterproductive. Instead, try to observe your thoughts as they arise and pass away. This approach helps to de-emphasize the control mentality.

Many early seekers make the mistake of trying to force their thoughts into a prescribed pattern. However, the practice of Vipassana, for example, requires a natural approach where the focus is on letting thoughts come and go without resistance. When this resistance leads to exhaustion and the feeling that all your efforts have become negligible, that moment can be the best to let go and simply observe your thoughts.

A true meditative state can be achieved by focusing on your eyes and observing the internal world. This can be a transformative experience as it brings a sense of gratitude for the ability to see and think, which many people in the world cannot experience.

You can also examine your thoughts as you would a remote control car with no battery. Recognize that your conscious awareness is the battery that powers your thoughts. Approach your thoughts and actions with the understanding that this may be your last chance to interact with your true self, your consciousness.

Conclusion

There is no best time for meditation. Instead, embrace the present moment as the best time. Remember, the goal of meditation is not to control your thoughts but to observe them with gentle awareness. This practice can lead to a profound sense of inner peace and clarity, regardless of the time or duration you choose to meditate.

Let us remember that every moment is a gift, and every moment is the best moment to practice meditation and deepen our connection with the self.

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