MEDITATING
ALONE V MEDITATING AS PART OF A GROUP

I personally believe both are beneficial and essential to keeping oneself feeling in balance, harmony and in a relaxed state of mind as much as possible, despite surrounding external factors.
I also believe that meditation is something to bring daily/regularly into your life. An example… a bit like going to the gym, you don’t get a six pack overnight, it’s the consistent and persistent approach that brings results – the same as meditation…practice makes your form of perfect and helps you to enjoy the art of allowing to flow into your life.
My first experience of meditation was terrible...i went to an amazing group meditation which was incredible setting, space and people but I allowed my own fears/worries and thoughts to destroy my peace so when it came to the end I realised I was too worried about what everyone else was thinking or what I should be doing or getting from it, I got nothing other than my thoughts of daily stuff going over and over. I felt so disheartened but rather than give up and never go again (which was the easiest option and I did consider it a few times), I went back time and time again and around my 4th/5th group evening, I really just let go and allowed the experience to be what it was – this for me was a ‘game changer’.
Writing this here today, I had no idea that I would be channelling guided meditations myself and holding fortnightly guided group meditations at my home with the most amazing beautiful souls who want to come and expand their meditation and personal journeys.
So let’s take a look at the difference between Alone or Group:
MEDITATING ON YOUR OWN
·You get to pick the time and place, indoors or outdoors – a time when you will not be disturbed and without interruptions from others.
·The place you choose will be the place that you most find safe, comfortable and relaxing to you.
·You can choose to have inspiring things around you, décor and lighting, mood etc.
·You can lay down, sit down, use the space to settle exactly where you want – your rules.
·You choose what you meditate and put your attention too – whether a candle flame, pure silence, just music, guided meditation listening to someone else.
·You work out which form of breathing techniques you need to use to get in relaxed state.
·You choose how long you wish to meditate for.
·You are in full control of how you want your meditation experience to be.
·Your meditation journey, your ways, as fast or slow as you want it to be.
You may find meditating alone difficult if you are not very disciplined or get distracted easily, not sticking to goals, plans etc. You may start with good intention but find it doesn’t last. You may also find meditating on your own a struggle if you have never tried it before, because generally the first attempt you may find you don’t gain much from it (unless you are one of the lucky ones).
As I’ve mentioned before, I believe meditation is like anything you do in life, the more you do it the easier it becomes and the more you can enjoy it and get from it. There is no right or wrong way, it’s about a state of ALLOWING yourself to BE and just see where it takes you.
Let’s have a look now at why you might find it great to be part of a group.
MEDITATING AS PART OF A GROUP
·The healing power of the group setting can be more beneficial than being alone – studies show that the existence of the ripple effect of peace in the environment is powerful.
·Spiritual support grows stronger – when members of the group meet regularly this can create new friendships, bonds to form – it also creates synergy achieving something bigger than what you could do on your own.
·Learning experience improves – particularly beneficial for beginners as you get chance to meet people been doing this for longer amount of time /experience so you can learn new things and ways that could help you for ultimate meditation experience.
·Feedback possibilities – you not only get chance to learn from the experiences as others, you can get useful advice too. In a group you all support one another to reach not only physical, emotional but mental peace too.
·You meet like-minded people and it’s a new opportunity to make new friends.
·You may find it less distracting if you are not in your home setting.
·You may find it easier to follow somebody rather than lead the meditation format yourself.
·Can create a new beneficial habit/routine – you may be more likely to go and sit in meditation if you know you have made commitments to others to show up. It encourages you to be consistent and your motivation reaches new heights, this may be a more likely reason to stick with it.
·You may feel happier in a group activity – creating connections with others, tapping into the same silence and source of peace helping you to feel a more powerful sense of safety, comfort, peace and serenity, as well as walking away happier than when you started.
·Reduces loneliness – if you leave alone and although have lots of access to technology such as computers, phones, apps etc for meditation, you may need/prefer the physical benefits of meeting others in person and connecting with others rather than through digital format.
When we meditate in groups it creates an environment of acceptance and belonging, I know this from seeing the souls connecting regularly at my group evenings – some came as strangers to one another but now they have formed strong friendships and talk and see one another outside of the meditation evenings. It is wonderful to see.
There we go, the choice is yours…alone, group or both…MAY YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY BE ONE OF LOVE, PEACE, CALM AND OF ULTIMATE RELAXATION EVERY TIME.
I wish you a truly BEAUTIFUL LIFE xxx








