Guided Meditation: A Wandering Mind Is an Unhappy Mind

Guided Meditation: A Wandering Mind Is an Unhappy Mind

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In this article, we’re going to focus on guided meditation. Why meditation? Well, as we already know, a wandering mind is an unhappy mind. Through the process of meditation, we can curb our mind wandering. We can just be in the present moment. Meditation also has a host of other positive benefits. It can increase our mood, and it can do so in just a couple of weeks. It also decreases our stress, and it can even boost our grey matter.



Related: Mindfulness Exercises to Improve Your Mental Health

So how do you make the most out of this short guided meditation article?

Well, if you’re new to meditation, just try it out. Do it for about five minutes a day. If you’ve meditated before, try to increase the amount of time you spend in meditation. And as usual, track it. By tracking our meditation over time, we can turn a little bit of meditation into a long-term habit. So get out there and try some meditation. It will make you a little bit more zen and maybe a lot happier.

But, what is Guided meditation?

Guided meditation or meditation is a practice of intentionally turning your attention away from distracting thoughts toward a single point of reference (e.g., the breath, bodily sensations, compassion, a specific thought, etc.). Research shows that meditation can have several positive benefits, including more positive moods, increased concentration, and more feelings of social connection.

For the next week, I suggest you spend (at least) 10 minutes per day meditating. Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed while you’re meditating. If you are new to meditation, you can try one of three guided meditations mentioned down below. And remember— meditation isn’t about the meditation itself; it’s about building a skill that we can use later. Lots of people find it hard at first, but stick with it and see if it allows you to feel a bit calmer over the week. At the end of the day, log when and how long you meditated in your preferred tracking system.

Gratitude Letter/Visit

One of your last requirements is one that research suggests will have a big impact on your happiness and that of another person. This week, write a letter of gratitude to someone you care about. For this, think of one living person who has made a big difference in your life, but whom you never properly thanked.

Then find a quiet spot when you have a half-hour free and write a heartfelt letter to that person explaining how he or she has touched your life and why he or she is meaningful to you. Your letter can be as long as you want, but try to make it at least 300 words or so. Then you must deliver that letter to the person in question.

Just say you want to talk to that person without explaining why. You could read the letter to your chosen person over the phone or Skype, but for an extra huge happiness boost, I recommend scheduling a time to visit this person in-person to share your letter. However, you meet up, you should read the letter aloud. 

I also recommend that you both have some tissues handy for this one. A gratitude letter is one of the most powerful tools for increasing happiness because it can forge social bonds and change someone’s life.

Guided Meditations

Meditation is a practice of intentionally turning your attention away from distracting thoughts toward a single point of reference (e.g., the breath, bodily sensations, compassion, a specific thought, etc.). Research shows that meditation can have several positive benefits, including more positive moods, increased concentration, and more feelings of social connection.

Find a quiet place and try one of the three meditations listed here. And remember- meditation isn’t about the meditation itself; it’s about building a skill that we can use later. Lots of people find it hard at first, but stick with it and see if it allows you to feel a bit calmer over time.

Guided Meditations:


Loving Kindness Guided Meditation – Female Voice



Gratitude Guided Meditation – Female Voice



Body Scan Guided Meditation – Female Voice



Loving Kindness Guided Meditation – Male Voice



Gratitude Guided Meditation – Male Voice



Body Scan Guided Meditation – Male Voice


Note: Guided Meditations Source: The Science of Wellbeing by YaleUniversity

Beyond This Article: Learn Even More About Meditation

Guided Meditation Example #1: Learn more about the power of meditation in Hedy Kober’s TEDx Talk

Guided Meditation Example #2: Learn more about mindfulness from mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn



Also Read: 15 Essential Mindfulness Exercises to Find Peace in The Everyday


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