Our everyday life is so rich in deadlines, stress, a frantic pace… you might need a moment of peace and quiet to disconnect and reconnect finding the best version of yourself within your body and soul. You can do this using guided meditation, a powerful, and easy to use tool to live a more meaningful life. We’ve selected 20 of the Best Guided Meditations for you to consider as part of your practice.
Before going to find out specifically what guided meditation is and what its benefits are, let’s take a small step back and ask ourselves:
What does it mean to meditate?
To enclose meditation in a mere and simple definition would be incredibly reductive.
Meditating is much more than sitting down and closing your eyes. On the contrary, with meditation, we have a deep and direct contact with ourselves, in which we reach a state of extreme peace.
You can meditate by staying focused on something or by trying to clear your mind, reaching a state of thoughtless awareness.
There are also different types of meditation. Guided meditation is one of them.
What is a guided meditation?
Guided meditation is a technique in which instead of meditating in a completely autonomous way, we are guided by an external voice that leads us to complete relaxation.
Being guided by a voice during our meditation is one of the most effective ways to get in a deep-rooted relationship with yourself, restore a sense of calm and ease, and release accumulated stress.
How does guided meditation work?
Guided meditations are not all the same: it depends on the purpose you want to achieve through this practice.
Do you just want to relax? Fighting insomnia? Become more resilient? Accept a major change?
Depending on your purpose, your guide will ask you to either sit down or lie down and close your eyes. From this moment, your journey towards an authentic awareness of yourself will begin.
The first part of the meditation will serve to reach a deeper state of relaxation so that you are ready to face your inner journey.
You may be asked to visualize something relaxing, such as a flowing stream or the sun warming your skin, or to focus only on a specific aspect: on your body, your breath, your heartbeat, a sound, or on a mantra – that is, a word or phrase repeated within you.
Gradually all parts of your body will be relaxed. In this state of deep calm, your subconscious will be more open to welcome positive changes and the beneficial influences of meditation will be stronger.
You will then embark on a guided journey that will improve one or more aspects of your life, heal the wounds of your spirit or perhaps simply serve to achieve deep relaxation for its own sake.
For this reason, guided meditation is not only useful for reaching a state of deep inner calm but also for eliminating stress, improving self-awareness, and living everyday life to the fullest.
At the end of the meditation, your guide will slowly bring you back to reality and you will feel positively transformed: more relaxed, stronger, and more aware of you.
In fact, many studies show that in the subconscious, the brain cannot distinguish between an imaginary event and a real one. For this reason, an experience lived during meditation has the same beneficial effects as an experience lived in reality.
During a guided meditation, you can then make positive changes to your body and your life, simply by using the power of your mind.
What are the benefits of guided meditation?
There are countless potential beneficial effects that guided meditation can bring to your body and mind including:
- You can achieve complete and deep relaxation
- Your blood pressure can drop
- The levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in your blood can lower
- Your stress, anxiety, and depression levels can decrease
- You can diminish mood swings
- If you suffer from it, you can be able to better manage panic attacks
- You can have a greater awareness of yourself
- You can improve your memory and your ability to concentrate
- You can increase the concentration of gray matter inside your brain
- You can feel regenerated, more active, and less tired
- You can feel stronger in painful situations
- You can improve sleep disorders, such as insomnia
- You can be more able to work in stressful situations without losing focus
- You can perfect your problem-solving skills
- You can cope better with physical pain
- Your breathing can be smoother
- You can feel more fulfilled, serene and relaxed
How to practice guided meditation:
Now that you know what and how guided meditation works, let’s get to the heart of the matter. Here are some steps to follow as you begin your guided meditation practice:
1. Choose a quiet place
The first step in starting your meditation is to find a space all to yourself, where you will not be affected by distractions such as people talking, television, or noises that can make you lose focus.
You need only a small space: look for a quiet, bright, and well-ventilated corner. Turn off all electronic devices such as TV, radio, and cell phone.
2. Find a comfortable position
Meditation Position: You can sit or lie down, you decide which position allows for greater concentration. Be aware that if you lie down it is easy to fall asleep and this is certainly not our aim.
You can also help maintain the position with a meditation cushion.
If you can’t sit or stand on the ground, you can also sit on a chair although contact with the ground can be of great benefit.
3. Stabilize your body
It is very important to maintain the correct position for the benefits of meditation to affect your body as well.
Keep your back upright and try to stabilize your center of gravity, without leaning to one side or the other. Stretch your neck and shoulder muscles, keeping your neck straight.
The hands can be placed in different positions, called mudras, based on the benefits you want to get. You can also initially rest your hands on your knees.
4. Close your eyes
Once you’ve found the right position, it’s time to close your eyes. Try to find balance in this new position of yours and as soon as you feel ready, it’s time to focus on your breathing.
5. Focus on your breathing
Breath is very important when we do meditation.
Try not to force your breath and allow it to flow naturally. You will see that little by little, during the practice, your breathing will become deeper and more rhythmic.
Breathing is an act that we do in every moment of our life, so much so that we don’t even notice it during the course of the day.
Our aim, in this case, is to “feel” our breathing, to become aware of the air we are breathing.
Focus on the rhythm of your breathing, align your spirit with your heartbeat, and relax.
You are now ready to begin your inner journey.
Follow your meditation guide, not only in words but also in sounds, rhythm, breath, and let yourself be transported in your path of deep relaxation.
Now, let’s explore the Best Guided Meditations for your specific desires.
Best Guided Meditations For Sleep
Headspace Meditation for Sleep
Duration: 11:30
Desire: better sleep
If you are having some trouble sleeping a meditation for sleep is a wonderfully useful tool to relax and get ready for a long rejuvenating sleep. This Guided Meditation for Sleep from Headspace is beginners friendly and it’s absolutely easy to follow. Just lie down, close your eyes, and give yourself the chance to unwind and relax.
Guided Meditation for Sleep… Floating Amongst the Stars
Duration: 1h
Desire: Disconnect to fall asleep
This long guided meditation for sleep is amazing to help you disconnect from reality while leaving the day so far behind. The meditation technique used in this guided meditation is visualization and the setting is a beautiful relaxing floating experience amongst the stars. Basically, your mind will go outer space exploring a unique beauty while relaxing and getting ready to finally get some rest.
Best Guided Meditation For Anxiety or Stress
20 Minute Guided Meditation for Reducing Anxiety and Stress–Clear the Clutter to Calm Down by The Mindful Movement by PowerThoughts Meditation Club
Duration: 20:16
Desire: Reducing anxiety and stress
If you are dealing with anxiety and stress because of your life, your work, some personal issues that are stressing you out, and draining all of your energy – this guided meditation for anxiety will help reduce the heavy feelings of anxiety and stress. It’s a great practice to follow on a daily basis, as suggested by its creators so, if you suffer from anxiety and stress, you can create a routine with this guided meditation and see results in a matter of days.
Let Go of Anxiety, Fear & Worries: Guided Meditations for Harmony, Healing & Inner Peace by PowerThoughts Meditation Club
Duration: 22:04
Desire: Emotional healing and inner peace
If your emotions are taking over and they generate feelings like stress, fear, anxiety, and a constant deep sense of worry, this guided meditation for anxiety will help ease these feelings while finding more peace and healing yourself on an emotional level. Just follow the soothing voice while learning how to know yourself at a deeper new level.
Best Guided Meditations For Deep Relaxation
Guided Meditation – Blissful Deep Relaxation – The Honest Guy
Duration: 18: 35
Desire: Finding balance and a deep relaxation
This guided meditation for deep relaxation is all about finding a deep relaxation within while cultivating balance and calmness. With the sounds of the ocean as a background, the narrator’s soothing voice, and a gentle countdown lead to a sense of absolute surrender. You will find stillness and relaxation while being fully present in the moment.
Candle Visualisation (Guided meditation) by New Horizon Holistic Center
Duration: 24:14
Goal: Deep relaxation with the power of visualization
This candle visualization is an easy and effective way to bring your attention to something soothing and relaxing like a candle flame. Just follow the instructions to feel a sense of surrender while leaving the daily life behind. Spend these moments in a higher sense of connection with yourself at a spiritual level.
Best Guided Meditations For Walking
Walking Joy Meditation with Gabby Bernstein
Duration: 6:36
Desire: Finding Joy
This quick guided walking meditation by Gabby Bernstein helps cultivate joy and happiness in your everyday life. Gabby Bernstein, the bestselling author of The Universe has your back and more personal growth titles, is here to guide you in a journey of introspection while taking steps into the world from a brand new perspective made up of awareness and calmness.
Walking meditation by Satorio
Duration: 19:33
Goal: Spreading awareness
Our everyday life often doesn’t allow us to stop and stare at the world around us. We take for granted what we have and what we encounter on a daily basis. With this guided walking meditation, you are going to use a perfect mix of movement and awareness to start seeing your reality from a place of kindness and calmness.
Best Guided Meditation for Healing
GUIDED MEDITATION for Healing – Experience the Pure Loving Energy of the Universe by The Honesty Guy
Duration: 15:31
Desire: Healing your soul
Healing our soul is not that easy but with a guided meditation for healing like this one, you’ll discover a wonderful experience to reconnect with the universe and its fresh healthy positive energy. Reconnecting with the universe and the energy around us can definitely be a life-changing experience to absorb high vibrations to feel amazing in both body and soul.
Open Your Chakras (Energy Healing Meditation) by Davidji
Duration: 17:03
Desire: Healing your body activating your chakras
Did you know that if our chakras (our energetic centers), are blocked or “closed”, you might notice effects like emotional blockages and physical discomfort? With this guided healing meditation from Davidji, the bestselling author of Sacred Powers, and other amazing content related to spirituality and personal growth, you are going to open your chakras up while feeling better in your body and in your spirit.
Best Guided Meditation for Kids
Guided Meditation for Children | Your Secret Treehouse | Relaxation for Kids by New Horizon – Meditation & Sleep Stories
Duration: 16:14
Desire: Help the kids relax
Kids get stressed, too! From school to social encounters to sports and more, they suffer from the same tension adults suffer as well. This guided mediation for kids will fully immerse them into a magical fantasy world to leave all the problems and stress behind for a few minutes of restored magic and fantasy.
Kids Mindfulness Meditation in 10 Minutes: Guided Meditation for Children – EP by Happy Super Kids
Duration: 10:16
Desire: Relaxation with the breath
This guided meditation for kids helps kids who are dealing with anxiety and stress ease their discomfort while learning how to use their breath in an easy and practical way. As it is only 10 minutes, it can be used at any time when needed.
Best Guided Morning Meditation
10 Minute Morning Meditation To Have A Really Good Day !! by Unlimited you
Duration: 9:50
Desire: Cultivating fresh energy to rock your day
First thing in the morning, you might benefit from an energetic boost to create a relaxed successful productive day this is a wonderful guided meditation for the morning to listen to. It’s quick but very effective as it gives you the chance to be thankful and aware of what you have and who you are.
Guided Morning Meditation | 10 Minutes To Start Every Day Perfectly ☮ by Boho Beautiful
Duration: 10:34
Desire: Start your day mindfully
This guided morning meditation by Boho Beautiful, one of the most successful yoga and meditation channels, is a relaxing approach to a mindful new morning. Setting your intentions in a healthy and mindful way will give you the opportunity to face problems and setbacks with a positive zen approach.
Best Guided Meditation for Satsang
Remain As You Are — A Guided Meditation with Mooji
Duration: 14:59
Desire: Cultivating self-awareness
This Satsang with Mooji helps you cultivate self-awareness and self-confidence while accepting who you are. Cultivating a sense of respect, kindness, and love towards yourself is one of the main keys to live a better life in relationship with yourself and others.
I am here – Beautiful Mooji Guided Meditation
Duration: 44:53
Desire: Being present in the moment
This long guided meditation by Mooji is a huge chance to embark on a mindful journey. You will learn how to avoid focusing on the past and the future while being truly present in the moment, here and now. This is a wonderful way to lessen anxiety and fear while honoring your life.
Best Guided Mediation 5 Minutes
Dr. Wayne Dyer – 5 Minutes Before You Fall Asleep – Positive Affirmations – Wayne Dyer Meditation
Duration: 6:40
This 5 minute meditation for sleep helps bring you to calmness and positivity within 5 minutes. With the power of positive affirmations, you will raise your vibrations up while cultivating a sense of awareness body and soul while getting ready to unwind and leave what no longer serves you behind.
5 minutes Osho meditation by Music for Deep Relaxation Meditation Academy
Duration: 5:43
Desire: Deep relaxation
This short Osho 5 minute meditation is all about awareness, presence in the moment, and mindfulness to disconnect and reconnect in the right way. If you feel a sense of tension and stress, this practice from Osho is one of the best guided meditation to do so.
Best Guided Meditation 10 Minutes
10 Minute Meditation For Anxiety
Duration: 10:20
Desire: Anxiety-relief
If you feel anxious and in need of some fresh calming energy to restore your balance to keep living your day right, this is a meditation to consider. In this 10 minute guided meditation, you are going to truly press the pause button to recharge your energy from a place of positivity and peace within.
10 minute Sitting Meditation by Beth Mulligan
Duration: 11:02
Desire: Quick relaxation
This quick sitting 10 minute guided meditation is an on the go practice when you truly need to slow down a little bit while breathing and relaxing for a few moments. Even though it’s a quick practice, it is a powerful tool to cultivate calmness and awareness.
BONUS: Founder’s Choice
Our founder, Michelle, actually tattoed light and dark arrows on her arms to reflect her favorite meditation practice from Buddhist nun, Pema Chödrön called “Tonglen“. It essentially flips the popular saying – “in with the good, out with the bad” on its head. Michelle uses it to breathe in the pain, accept it, transform it, and breathe out relief. So – in with the dark, out with the light. We put lighter, positive energy back into the world, not heavy, dark energy. 🙏🏼
Conclusion
Guided meditation is one of those tools that can change your life. Starting a meditation practice is simple, but not at all easy. It is very common to think we are not doing it right, or get frustrated and give up. Try being gentle with yourself and simply notice what shows up and be present to whatever that is, whether it’s fear, judgment, restlessness, or even sleepiness. Just be with it. With time, you will find your own rhythm and flow – one breath at a time.
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