What Is Guided Meditation Really?

With new benefits of meditation being discovered seemingly everyday, more people are being introduced to meditation in its many forms than ever before. The modern world is fast-paced and a majority of people in the United States report regular or even constant stress or anxiety in their daily life. This is just one area of life in which meditation can help. Curious if guided meditation can help you with your problems, too? Here's more about what guided meditation really is and what it can do.

What is Guided Meditation?

Meditation is, at its core, a way to help you develop your own inner calmness and tranquility and it's also meant to help you grow as a person. Meditation isn't something just for hippies or the spiritual; people of all ages and all walks of life use meditation in one form or another to help them.

Guided imagery meditation is a form of meditation or self-hypnosis that allows someone to guide you through the meditation and achieve a specific outcome, whether it's finding your ideal job, losing weight, quitting smoking, spiritual connection or just to reduce stress. Guided meditation requires nothing more than a comfortable, quiet environment so you can concentrate on your breathing and the imagery that's being described for you. Also known as guided imagery meditation, you will be transported to a peaceful setting where you will see, hear, feel and taste in your imagination and learn more about yourself and your true purpose.

Group Versus Individual Guided Meditation

There are two primary types of guided meditation sessions: those practiced in a group setting with an instructor and those done at home, using guided meditation downloads or CDs. Choosing one over the other depends on your personal preference. Some people may feel more comfortable learning meditation from an instructor while others get more peace and benefit by doing this alone in the comfort of their own home.