Discover the Amazing Benefits of Guided Meditation
Mar 19, 2025
Have you ever done a guided meditation, where someone guides you through the meditation process, and you just relax and follow along? It can take the stress out of the process, so you can just let go, and follow the directions of the voice.
Guided meditations are fantastic for beginners, or for people who want to relax during the meditation, knowing someone else is taking care of the ‘hard work’ of thinking! It’s also a great way to explore different topics, and go on different journeys. (Some people have a great imagination, and you can have the most wonderful, fun, and enlightening journeys! π)
In this blog post, we’ll explore what guided meditations are, how they work, and why you might want to try one today!
What Is a Guided Meditation?
A guided meditation is simply a type of meditation where someone leads you through the process. Guided meditations can be live (eg in an in-person yoga class), a recording online, or even on an app on a mobile phone.
The meditation ‘guide’ will typically invite you to relax, give some breathing instructions, and often suggest some visualizations to guide you on your journey. Even if you can’t ‘visualise’, you can often sense, or feel, or imagine – it is more important to focus on the words and the idea behind the meditation, rather than the specific way you may (or may not) see, feel, sense, or imagine. It’s like having a friend walk you through a journey of the mind.
As mentioned, guided meditations can have many purposes. Some might be to help you relax, many will help you focus on the present moment (with breathing and directed focus), while others can be more imaginative and fun (such as a guided meditation through the cosmos)! ππ
How Do Guided Meditations Work?
Guided meditations usually follow a simple structure, similar to the steps below.
- Relaxation – You’ll be asked to find a comfortable position, usually sitting or lying down. The guide will often begin by encouraging you to take a few deep breaths to calm your body and mind.
- Focus – The guide might then suggest focusing on a specific object or idea, such as your breath, a sound, or even a positive affirmation. This helps anchor your thoughts, and prevents your mind from wandering.
- Visualization or Affirmations – Some guided meditations will take you through a visualization, like imagining you’re walking in a peaceful forest, or sitting by the ocean. (You can also sense, feel, see, or imagine – there are many ways to follow a ‘visualisation’.) Other guided meditations might use affirmations — positive statements — to help you focus your mind on a particular feeling or focus eg. to feel calm and confident, or grounded, or even to imagine yourself in a journey to outer space! ππ
- Return to the Present Moment – Finally, the guide will gently bring you back to the present, helping you to slowly open your eyes, and become aware of your surroundings, feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Why Should You Try a Guided Meditation?
There are many reasons to give guided meditation a go, especially if you're new to meditation or find it hard to meditate on your own.
- Easy to Start - If you’ve ever tried to meditate on your own and found your mind wandering or felt unsure of what to do next, guided meditation makes it easier to stay on track.
- Less Stress - Guided meditations can help lower stress, calm your nerves, and encourage relaxation. By focusing on the instructor’s voice and instructions, you can let go of your worries, and tune into the present moment.
- Improved Sleep - If you have trouble sleeping, listening to a guided meditation on relaxation before bed can help quiet your mind and prepare your body for restful sleep. There are a number of meditations designed to help people sleep, many of which are quite helpful. (I’ve used a number of these – it’s a matter of finding ones that resonate with you, and finding the right one for your state of mind – eg. busy mind, or just need to relax your breathing.)
- Boosted Focus - Regular meditation, even if just for a few minutes a day, can help improve your focus and concentration, making it easier to get through tasks in your day.
- Emotional Healing - Some guided meditations are designed to help with emotional healing, whether it's processing grief, overcoming stress, or boosting self-love. There are lots of guided meditations available, and you can try them out until you find an instructor/guide that you like, and topics that appeal to you.
Types of Guided Meditations
As mentioned earlier, there are many types of guided meditations to choose from, depending on your needs at any given moment.
- Relaxation Meditations - These focus on calming the body and mind, often using deep breathing, and gentle visualizations (or sensing, or feeling, or imagining).
- Stress Relief Meditations - These meditations help release stress and tension, guiding you to let go of worries and relax.
- Self-Love Meditations - These meditations encourage feelings of self-compassion, and help you develop a positive relationship with yourself.
- Sleep Meditations - These are specifically designed to help you unwind, and fall asleep more easily.
- Mindfulness Meditations - These meditations help you stay present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in a non-judgmental way.
- Journey Meditations – These meditations take you on a journey, for example a trip to your subconscious, or even a journey to outer space! ππ
How to Get Started with Guided Meditation
Starting with guided meditation is easy! Here are a few steps to help you get going:
- Find a Quiet Space - Choose a peaceful spot where you won’t be disturbed. You don’t need anything fancy — just a comfortable chair or spot on the floor.
- Use a Meditation App or YouTube - There are plenty of apps (like Calm, Insight Timer, or Headspace) and YouTube channels that offer free guided meditations. Find one that resonates with you!
- Set Aside Time - Even 5-10 minutes can make a difference. Try to set aside time each day to meditate, and slowly increase the time as you feel comfortable.
- Be Kind to Yourself - Don’t worry if your mind wanders — it’s totally normal. Simply notice the thoughts, and gently bring your focus back to the guide’s voice.
Final Thoughts
Guided meditations are a simple and effective way to add more peace and calm to your life. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve focus, or just take a break from the chaos of everyday life, a guided meditation can be the perfect way to reset. So why not give it a try today?
Remember, it’s all about taking that first step. And once you’ve tried it, you might just discover the calming magic of guided meditation for yourself.
And if you'd rather try it in a group setting, my upcoming Dancing with the Cosmos Sacred Women's Circle will have a guided meditation, so you can try it out there! βΊοΈ
FAQ - Guided Meditations
- What is a guided meditation?
A guided meditation is when someone, either live or through a recording, leads you through a meditation practice. They’ll typically provide instructions to help you relax, focus, and clear your mind. It's like having a personal guide to help you through the process. - How do I know if a guided meditation is right for me?
If you’ve been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected, guided meditations can be a great way to get started with meditation. They’re also perfect for beginners, or those who struggle to meditate alone. If you’re looking for calm, relaxation, or even emotional healing, guided meditations can support your journey. - How long do guided meditations typically last?
Most guided meditations last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, but there are options for all time preferences. You can start with shorter sessions, and work your way up as you get more comfortable. - Can I meditate if I’m a beginner?
Absolutely! Guided meditations are perfect for beginners. They offer step-by-step instructions, and help you stay on track, so you don’t have to worry about not knowing what to do. - Do I need any special equipment to do guided meditation?
Nope! All you need is a comfortable space, a device to play the guided meditation (like a phone, computer, or tablet), and a pair of headphones if you prefer. That’s it! - Can guided meditations help with anxiety or stress?
Yes! Many guided meditations are designed specifically for stress relief and relaxation. By focusing on calming visualizations, breathing techniques, or affirmations, guided meditations can help lower anxiety levels, and bring peace of mind. If you feel you need more to lift your mindset, you could also try out our Positive Mindset Mastery bundle. - How often should I practice guided meditation?
It depends on your personal goals and needs. Many people find that meditating daily for just a few minutes is enough to feel calmer and more centered. But even a few sessions a week can make a positive impact! - Can I listen to guided meditations before bed?
Yes, guided meditations for sleep are quite popular! (I use them myself!) They can help quiet your mind and prepare your body for restful sleep, making them perfect for a bedtime routine. - What if my mind wanders during a guided meditation?
It’s totally normal for your mind to wander! The key is to gently bring your focus back to the guide’s voice. Be patient with yourself, and remember that meditation is a practice — it’s okay if your mind drifts. - Where can I find guided meditations?
There are plenty of free and paid resources online! You can find guided meditations on apps like Calm, Insight Timer, and Headspace, or on YouTube. Simply search for the type of meditation you're interested in (e.g. stress relief, sleep, relaxation), and you’ll find tons of options.
References/Further Reading
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858
https://www.healthline.com/health/meditation-for-sleep (including guided meditation)
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation
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