Demystifying Meditation
Yes, You Can Meditate — Here’s How to Start (and Stick With It)
By a Daily Meditator Who’s Been There
As someone who meditates daily, I’m often asked: What does your practice look like? How do you stay awake? Is meditation really something I can do?
The answer is yes—absolutely. In this article, I’ll walk you through my personal meditation journey, the science behind it, and practical tools to help you build your own practice—no incense or yoga mat required.
Why Meditate?
If you’re new to meditation, here’s the headline: research shows it can help prevent, manage, and even alleviate a wide range of physical and mental health conditions—from depression and anxiety to insomnia and fibromyalgia.But even if you’re not dealing with a chronic condition, meditation can help you feel calmer, healthier, more focused, and more resilient. You’ll sleep better. You’ll stress less. And—bonus—you’ll get to know your mind in a whole new way.
The Truth About Your Thoughts
Here’s what most people get wrong:
Meditation isn’t about stopping your thoughts. It’s about learning to observe them without attaching meaning. You can use tools like breath awareness or mantras (e.g., “all is well” or “I am not my thoughts”) to stay grounded.
The average person has 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts a day. That’s not a flaw—it’s just how the brain works. But when we constantly react to every negative thought, we build patterns of stress, fear, isolation, and even disease. Meditation helps us break that loop. When you realize you are not your thoughts, everything changes.
My Personal Journey
Spoiler: I wasn’t a natural.
The first time I tried to meditate, I fell asleep—and got frustrated. I was convinced it “wasn’t for me.” But slowly, with patience, I worked up to five minutes, then ten. Now, I can sit for hours in stillness.
The point is: it’s called a practice for a reason. Like learning a language or playing an instrument, you’ll have good days and bad. But there’s no such thing as a “bad” meditation. Every session builds the muscle.
The Science: Understanding Brainwave States
Knowing how brainwaves work can help you understand what’s happening during meditation—and why it matters.
There are five main brainwave states:
Gamma – Peak focus, cognitive processing
Beta – Normal waking consciousness, active thinking
Alpha – Relaxed, creative, and calm
Theta – Deep meditation, intuition, subconscious
Delta – Deep sleep and physical healing
Most of us live in beta—on alert, constantly stimulated. But when you meditate, you shift into alpha or theta, which allows your nervous system to reset and your mind to access deeper levels of awareness.
(Pro tip: The reason you might fall asleep during early meditations is that you’re dropping straight from beta to delta. It’s like slamming the brakes on a car going 60 mph.)
Learn more about brainwave states here.
When & Where to Meditate
Best time: Right after waking or just before bed—times when your brain naturally hovers in alpha and theta states.
Best place: Not your bed (you’ll fall asleep!). Instead, find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Sit comfortably on a chair or couch with your spine straight. Keep lighting low. Eye masks are optional—I personally find them distracting, but you do you.
Meditation for Beginners: Simple Ways to Start
There are endless styles of meditation, so find what feels good. If it’s uncomfortable or feels like a chore, you’re less likely to stick with it.
Here are some beginner-friendly options:
YouTube: Search for guided meditations, nature sounds, or music with chimes.
Brainwave entrainment: Special frequencies designed to guide your brain into alpha or theta. Great for overwhelmed minds.
Apps: Try Calm or Headspace for structured programs.
Timer method: Start with just 30 seconds. Sit still. Breathe. Observe. That’s it.
The goal is to keep your body still, your breath soft, and your mind gently aware. Thoughts will come—that’s normal. Just notice and let them pass. If you’re struggling, simply return your focus to the breath.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re ready to build a deeper, more consistent practice, I highly recommend the free 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course from Palouse Mindfulness. It’s science-based, easy to follow, and completely online.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about improving your physical, mental, and emotional health, meditation is a no-brainer. The benefits are scientifically proven and the time commitment is minimal.
If you have time to brush your teeth, you have time to meditate :)
