How do I Choose the Best Meditation Class?

Taking a meditation class can be a great way to deepen your meditation practice and help you achieve new levels of calm and balance in all areas of your life. However, there are many different types of meditation techniques and classes to choose from, and the choices can seem overwhelming. It is best to begin by determining the time you have to devote to a meditation class, and the type of meditation that feels right to you. If you are not sure, there is no harm in trying different classes and techniques until you find the best one for you.

Meditation classes are offered to appeal to many different people with different lifestyles and schedules. You may choose to take a weekly meditation class, which is similar to any other type of yoga or exercise class that is offered once a week, at a specific time period. A weekly meditation class may last for an hour or more. Some meditation classes are offered as part of a weekly yoga class; for example, the first half of the class may be devoted to yoga, while the second is devoted to meditation.

Another type of meditation class is one that is part of a retreat. Retreats may last a few days, a week, or longer, and usually require participants to live on-site and take multiple classes throughout the day. If neither of these appeal to you, meditation classes are often offered online. These might include instruction on technique, after which the user may meditate independently, or they may include videos with guided meditation.

Price is another consideration to keep in mind. Most meditation classes carry a per-class fee, though there may be a discount for purchasing a package of classes at once. It may be a good idea to take a few classes first before purchasing an expensive package, to see if the instructor's style is a good fit for you. There are many different types of meditation. Some focus on watching the breath, others will ask you to meditate on a specific object, mantra, image, or location in the body, while others may focus on emptying the mind of thought. Some meditation classes focus on healing, such as for those suffering from an illness or injury.

Each instructor's style of teaching may be different; some prefer to use continuous instruction, while others will only offer guidance at the beginning of class. When choosing a meditation class, it is important to find one that works for you, but it is equally important to be patient. Learning to meditate takes time, but it can be a very rewarding experience.