We Answer The Common Questions About Meditation

When you start to get into meditation, it’s normal to have many questions about the practice, different techniques, the philosophy and science behind it, and how to do it properly. In this guide, I’ll attempt to answer the most important questions about meditation.

Why Am I Crying During Meditation?

One of the surprising things that can happen during meditation is that you may start to cry. This can seem unexpected since meditation is often associated with relaxation and peace.

The truth is that meditation can help release emotions that you might have been repressing. When those emotions come to the surface, crying can be a natural response. This is a good thing, as it allows you to let go of emotions in a healthy way.

For more on emotional releases during meditation, check out my article on Why Meditation Makes You Angry.

What’s Better, Guided Meditation or Silent Meditation?

Another common question is whether to practice guided meditation or silent meditation.

There are two primary ways of meditating: traditional silent meditation and guided meditation using an app or audio. Interestingly, these two approaches have significant differences in their effects. Research from Harvard suggests that meditating with an app is generally less effective than traditional silent meditation.

That said, I’m not advocating for a complete stop to using apps. Guided meditations can be helpful, relaxing, and may enhance your mood. However, if you truly want to get the most out of your practice, traditional silent meditation is recommended. For a deeper dive into this topic, read my article on Guided Meditation vs. Silent Meditation.

What to Do Before and After Meditation

Knowing what to do before and after meditation can enhance your experience. Starting your practice the right way will help you get more from it, and doing the right things afterward can prolong its benefits.

Before meditation, you should:

1. Clear Distractions: Eliminate anything that might prevent you from focusing during your session.
2. Prepare Mind and Body: Gentle stretches can help you prepare both mentally and physically.

For more tips, check out my guide on What to Do Before Meditation and After.

Why Does Meditation Make Me Angry?

Another puzzling phenomenon during meditation is feeling anger. You might think this contradicts the calming effects meditation should have. The explanation lies in your mind’s habitual need for stimulation. When you sit down to meditate, your mind, used to constant input, can become frustrated or angry due to the lack of stimulation.

This can be a significant insight into your mental state. For a more in-depth exploration, see my article on Why Meditation Makes You Angry.

Should I Meditate Before or After a Workout?

You can meditate before or after a workout, and both options have their benefits. Meditating before a workout can enhance your enjoyment and focus, while meditating afterward helps with relaxation and recovery.

For more insights on combining meditation with physical activity, refer to my article on Meditation for Athletes.

How Is Meditation Supposed to Feel?

While some meditations are relaxing, others may energize you or boost creativity. The experience varies based on your goals and the type of meditation you practice.

For more on different meditation techniques and their effects, check out my article on Meditation Techniques for Success.

How to Make Meditation Easier

To make meditation easier, consider these three strategies:

1. Eliminate Distractions: Create a peaceful environment.
2. Choose a Different Focus Object: You don’t have to meditate solely on your breath; you can choose any point of focus.
3. Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle: This naturally improves your ability to concentrate and meditate.

For more tips on enhancing your practice, read my article on How to Get Back Into Meditation.

How to Stay Mindful

A popular question about meditation is how to maintain mindfulness throughout the day. While meditating for twenty minutes is beneficial, staying mindful beyond that time is essential.

Buddha spoke about the Four Pillars of Mindfulness, which emphasize being aware of your body, feelings, mind, and phenomena. You can learn all about this in my article on How to Stay Mindful All Day.

Why Does Meditation Make Me Tired?

One of the common questions is why meditation can make you feel tired. In reality, meditation often doesn’t make you tired; it simply heightens your awareness of your existing fatigue. Additionally, meditation stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is linked to relaxation and sleepiness.

For more insights on this topic, see my article on Why Meditation Makes You Tired.

Does Meditation Make Time Go Faster?

Another intriguing question is whether meditation affects your perception of time. Scientific research suggests that increased mindfulness can decrease the perception of time and create a sense of timelessness during meditation.

Conclusion

I hope this meditation Q&A article has illuminated various aspects of the practice for you. If you would like to learn more or explore personalized guidance, consider booking an online meditation lesson with me today.

Paul Harrison

Paul Harrison is a meditation teacher with 25 years of experience and a deep passion for helping others. Known for his empathy and authentic approach, he’s dedicated to guiding individuals and teams toward mindfulness, clarity, and well-being.