Question1.Should I meditate or exercise first in the morning and evening?
Answer:The order is entirely up to your personal preference—there’s no strict rule. However, it’s worth noting that intense exercise within four hours before bedtime might disrupt your sleep. Also, avoid meditating immediately after vigorous exercise, as your heart rate and physical state may still be too elevated to settle into a meditative mindset.
Question2.When I’m dealing with worries, I use non-judgmental meditation, imagining myself sitting by a river watching the water flow, with the water representing my troubles or scary thoughts. Is this okay?
Answer:That’s a fantastic approach! You’ve really grasped the essence of non-judgmental practice and applied it beautifully to your life. When you’re overwhelmed by thoughts, remember: those thoughts are not you. Visualizing them as passing clouds in the sky or leaves floating down a stream is a powerful way to acknowledge their presence without letting them define you. They come, they stay, and eventually, they’ll go.Question3.During meditation, if I notice emotions that aren’t mentioned in the guided audio, should I focus on them or continue following the guidance?
Answer:It’s okay to pause and acknowledge your emotions first. Spend some time with them, then return to the guided meditation when you’re ready. Meditation is about self-awareness, and tuning into your emotions is part of the process.
Question4.I’ve tried meditating on the bus to work, but I keep feeling a sharp pain in my side afterward. Why is this happening?
Answer:The bumps and movements of the bus can disrupt your body’s stability and breathing rhythm, especially if you’re doing breath-focused meditation. This might be causing the discomfort you’re describing. If it happens again, stop meditating, gently massage the area, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Once the discomfort eases, you can continue your practice.
Question5.If I start crying during meditation and don’t want to return to the present moment right away, can I let the emotions out first?
Answer:Absolutely. It’s actually encouraged to sit with your emotions and allow yourself to release them. When strong emotions arise, give yourself the space to process them. Once you feel calmer, you can return to the present moment and continue your meditation.
Question6.I’ve been meditating regularly lately, but I’ve noticed my sleep has become shorter—naps last only a few minutes, and I wake up after about an hour at night. What’s going on?
Answer:Has this started happening since you began meditating? If so, it could be because meditation has helped you relax more, reducing your need for sleep. On the other hand, meditation might also be making you more aware of emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations that were previously hidden, which could be affecting your sleep.
Try adjusting your meditation schedule—practice in the morning instead, or focus on relaxation-based meditations. Pay attention to how your body and mind respond, and find a routine that works best for you.
