How to Actually Start Meditating

In this episode we hear from Nan, a young woman who is trying to figure out if meditation is right for her. Zahra consults with SELF’s health editor, Carolyn Todd, who has reported extensively on what meditation can and can’t do for your health. Then Zahra speaks with a mindfulness meditation teacher, Kriste Peoples, who walks us through what starting a meditation practice can look like and talks about her work facilitating meditation for people of color. 

You can follow Carolyn @CarolynLTodd on Twitter, and read more of her work here: https://www.self.com/contributor/carolyn-todd

You can learn more about Kriste’s many roles on her website: https://kristepeoples.com. And you can follow her on Instagram @kristepeoples. 

Here are some meditation apps:

Liberate is a subscription-based meditation app that includes practices and talks designed for the Black community. According to their website, they have curated content from 40+ teachers of color with a diverse background in lineage, perspective, and approach, so that everyone can find a practice in their voice.

Headspace is a subscription-based meditation app with a friendly interface. It helps guide you through meditations, both single mediations and dozens of courses that address anxiety, loneliness, gratitude, and much more. 

10 Percent Happier is dedicated to skeptics. You can even connect to a coach that will answer all your questions, and the app has also spun off into a podcast and book you may find helpful.

Here are some SELF articles full of information, tips, and resources:

How to Meditate When You Have No Idea When to Start
The Has Never Been A Better Time to Start Meditating
The 15 Best Meditation Apps, According to People Who Actually Meditate
What Meditation Can -- and Can’t -- Do For Your Health

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