If someone had told 10-year-old me that the simple act of breathing and sitting still could change my life, I probably would’ve laughed. Back then, my dad introduced me to meditation, and while I didn’t fully understand it, I gave it a shot. I mean, who says no to ten minutes of daydreaming when you’re a kid?

Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say that meditation has been a game-changer in my life. It’s the practice that taught me how to sit with myself, how to process emotions I used to bulldoze through, and, yes, how to be kinder—not just to others but to myself too.

In my last blog, I talked about balancing divine masculine and feminine energies. Meditation was one of the key tools that helped me get there. But let’s break it down, because meditation can feel overwhelming when you’re starting out. So, what is meditation, why does it feel like there are a million kinds, and how do you figure out what works for you? Oh, and does it really make you kinder? Spoiler: It does, and I’m living proof.

What Is Meditation (And Why It’s Simpler Than You Think)

At its core, meditation is just the practice of being present with yourself. That’s it. No incense sticks required, no chanting (unless you’re into that). It’s about quieting the constant chatter of your mind and learning to just be.

When I first started, I thought meditation meant sitting cross-legged and trying to stop all thoughts. Ha! That was a disaster. The more I tried to “shut off my brain,” the louder it got. It wasn’t until I learned that thoughts are allowed to come and go that meditation actually started to click for me. It’s not about fighting your thoughts—it’s about noticing them, like clouds passing in the sky, and gently bringing your attention back to something simple, like your breath.

Why Are There So Many Types of Meditation?

Meditation has been around for thousands of years, and it’s evolved across cultures and traditions. That’s why there are so many types—it’s like different flavors of ice cream. Same concept, different vibes.

Some meditations focus on mindfulness (just being present), while others are about compassion, energy, or even chanting mantras. For example, Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta) is all about cultivating feelings of love and goodwill toward yourself and others. Then there’s mindfulness meditation, which is like the vanilla of meditation—simple, versatile, and great for beginners.

I used to get overwhelmed by all the options, too. I’d read about Zen meditation, chakra healing, and transcendental practices, and I had no idea where to start. But here’s what I’ve learned: you don’t have to know everything to get started. Just pick one that feels simple and doable.

The Simplest Way to Meditate (No Fancy Techniques Needed)

If the idea of exploring all these meditation types feels like too much, let me make it super easy for you. This is my go-to meditation, and it’s so simple you can start right now:

1. Find a quiet-ish spot where you won’t be interrupted for 5-10 minutes.
2. Sit however you’re comfortable—on the floor, in a chair, even lying down (but try not to fall asleep).
3. Close your eyes or keep them softly focused on a point.
4. Breathe naturally and just notice the sensation of your breath. Feel the air moving in and out of your nose or the rise and fall of your chest.
5. When your mind wanders—and trust me, it will—gently bring your attention back to your breath. No judgment, no frustration. Just come back.

That’s it. No mantras, no pressure to “do it right.” Start with 5 minutes a day, and if it feels good, gradually increase the time.

Does Meditation Really Make Us Kinder?

Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Hell yes.

Before meditation, I didn’t realize how tightly I held onto frustration and judgment—toward myself and others. I thought I was just “logical” and “direct,” but really, I was snapping at people (and myself) because I was wound up like a spring.

Meditation helped me notice my thoughts and reactions instead of acting on them. It’s like having a pause button for your brain. Over time, I started responding to situations with patience instead of irritation.

One practice that really blew my mind is Loving-Kindness Meditation. It’s where you silently send good wishes to yourself and others. You start with phrases like, “May I be happy. May I be safe.” Then you extend those wishes to loved ones, acquaintances, and even people who’ve hurt you. It felt cheesy at first, but wow—it softened something in me.

When you practice sending love and kindness, even to people who frustrate you, it rewires your brain. Studies back this up, but honestly, I didn’t need science to tell me I was becoming a softer, more empathetic person. My relationships improved, and I felt less reactive and more peaceful.

How This Helps in Other Ways

Meditation doesn’t just make you kinder—it helps in so many sneaky, unexpected ways. For me, it:

• Reduced stress: I’m no longer snapping at people or carrying tension in my shoulders all day.
• Improved focus: I can actually finish tasks without my mind wandering a million miles away.
• Boosted emotional resilience: When life throws curveballs, I handle them with more grace instead of spiraling.
• Strengthened intuition: I’ve stopped second-guessing myself so much and started trusting my gut.

Oh, and let’s not forget sleep. Meditation has been a lifesaver on nights when my brain refuses to shut up.

How to Get Started

If you’re ready to dive in but still feel a little unsure, here’s my advice:

1. Start small. Even 5 minutes a day can make a difference.
2. Find what works for you. If sitting in silence feels weird, try a guided meditation app like Insight Timer or Headspace.
3. Be consistent. Meditation is like a muscle—the more you practice, the stronger it gets.
4. Be kind to yourself. Your mind will wander. You’ll skip days. It’s okay. Just keep coming back.

Final Thoughts

Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. It’s not about becoming a monk or achieving some mystical state of enlightenment. It’s about showing up for yourself, one breath at a time, and creating space for kindness, clarity, and connection—both with yourself and the world around you.

So, grab a quiet moment today. Sit, breathe, and see what happens. Trust me, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.