How many times to meditate per say?

[pini85]

Hey guys,
Im just curious on many times I should meditate per day?Im new to this and Ive read a book by Yongani(Deep Meditation),that he strickly says you must meditate twice a day for 20min(Or for 10-15min depends on you).
I have just began listening to Lifeflow and it says to meditate once a say for 40min.It is quite hard for me to meditate that long.Would it wrong to suggest meditating once a day for 20-30min?And slowly gradually increase the time?Or is it better to meditate 2x20min.
And I know it is up to me,whatever makes me feel good.But if both feels good which one I should choose?
Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks,
-Pini.

[GilesC]

Hi Pini,

Ok, firstly meditation is not meant to be a chore or hard work, though people often expect they can meditate once and notice miraculous or magical results immediately.

So, though many teachers make it sound like you have to do things in a strict manner, what they are really saying is that you should discipline yourself to do continued practice and then, the longer you have stuck to continued practice, the better results you will notice.

For someone new to meditation, doing it for anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes is fine, and doing that twice a day is recommended (usually once in the morning to prepare you for the day ahead and once in the evening to help with everything that's bombarded you throughout the day). The Lifeflow tracks are 40 minutes long (or 60 minutes if you purchase the CD's) though there are 20 minute versions available too if you speak to the support team. You don't have to meditate for 40 minutes with Lifeflow, but the option is there if you choose to. Because Lifeflow is related to brainwave entrainment, it takes around 8 minutes of use (differs from person to person) before it starts to take proper effect, so if you were to only meditate for 10 minutes with it you'd only be getting about 2 minutes of benefit.

If you're happy doing 20 minute meditations, then sure, go for 2x20minutes in the day. I personally do a 40 minute meditation with Lifeflow in the morning and a 20 minute meditation without Lifeflow in the evening.

If you're finding it hard work, try adjusting your time etc. so that you're comfortable, and remember it's not about hard work, it's about discipline, that's the difference.

Hugs

Giles