Whether you’re embarking on your meditation journey or have been practising for some time, it’s evident that meditation offers a wealth of benefits that extend beyond the physical realm, touching upon the mental and spiritual aspects of our existence.
What is a guided meditation?
A guided meditation is a practice that involves following the instructions of a trained guide or teacher. It is a form of meditation that provides verbal guidance, typically through spoken words or recordings, to help individuals relax, focus their attention, and explore their inner experiences. Guided meditations often incorporate visualisation, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises to facilitate a deeper state of relaxation and self-awareness.
If you are interested in starting your meditation journey, we have created a short course to get you started.
Explore our beginner-friendly course here.
Is guided meditation as effective?
Yes, guided meditation can be highly effective in promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being. The guidance provided in a guided meditation helps to direct and anchor the mind, making it easier to stay present and focused.
This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who find it challenging to quiet their thoughts or maintain a consistent meditation practice on their own. Guided meditations offer support and structure, allowing individuals to deepen their meditation experience and reap the benefits of mindfulness and relaxation.
Why do I find it hard to meditate?
Meditation has numerous benefits, but sometimes it is so hard to sit still and meditate. This might discourage many beginners from embodying the benefits of meditation.
Why does this happen?
Often, this might be the result of a dysregulated nervous system. If you have been constantly in the fight or flight, the sympathetic state within your nervous system, sitting still is nearly impossible. This is very normal and I want to assure that there is nothing wrong with you.
Let’s, for a moment, imagine that you have a dangerous animal running behind you (this is how your nervous system and your body feel), how can you sit and meditate? Your body will think you are crazy. So the first step is to bring yourself into a regulated state, where you feel safe to sit still and safe to be within your body.
Another reason why meditation might feel difficult is that there is a trauma wound that still needs to be healed and sitting in silence might trigger pains and unpleasant emotions. The invitation is always to approach your body and your practice slowly. It is important to be aware of what is happening within your body in the moment. We are always invited to work with our body and not against it.
For a more embodied approach to meditation, you may be interested in exploring the concept of the Yoga of Embodiment. This approach combines the principles of yoga, nervous system regulation and somatic practices to cultivate a deep sense of embodiment and self-awareness. To learn more about the Yoga of Embodiment, you can visit our dedicated page for further insights and practices.
Try my 15 minutes guided meditation video
Press play, settle in, and allow these 15 minutes to bring you back to calm and presence.
Guided meditation FAQs
Guided meditation is a practice where a teacher or audio recording gently leads you through relaxation, breathing, and awareness exercises. It helps you stay focused and makes meditation easier, especially if you’re new to it.
Even a few minutes a day can make a difference. Most people start with 5–10 minutes and increase the time as they feel more comfortable. The key is regular practice rather than long sessions.
No. You just need a quiet space and a comfortable position—sitting or lying down. No special tools or perfect posture are required.
- Claire Mangion
- Updated: November 15, 2025
