What is the difference between Guided vs Unguided Meditations?
In this blog post, we will explore the unique attributes of both guided and unguided meditations, helping you make an informed choice about which approach aligns best with your meditation journey and personal objectives. Whether you seek structured guidance or the freedom of uncharted meditation, understanding the pros and cons of each approach can greatly enhance your meditation experience.
What is meditation?
Meditation is a simple process that we engage our minds in that activates the relaxation response within the body. Meditation is an incredibly profound tool that allows your nervous system to regulate itself while also creating a more intimate relationship with ‘presence’.
Meditation has so many benefits, but to keep it short, I personally believe that meditation is a conduit and pathway for personal liberation and inner freedom.
Guided vs Unguided Meditation. Which one should I use?
Within the realm of meditation, there are two prominent approaches: guided and unguided meditation.
Each method offers distinct advantages and disadvantages that cater to different preferences and goals.
This is a question I get asked frequently - is one better than the other? Which one should you use more regularly? The short answer is that there is. no right or wrong - it really depends upon a few different factors like:
How often do you plan to meditate?
Do you know how to meditate?
How important do you feel a meditation practice and inner growth work is to you?
What is your schedule like?
Why use Guided Meditations?
Benefits of using Guided Meditations:
Ease of Use: Guided meditations are great for beginners as they provide clear instructions and a structured format, making it easier to get started with meditation.
Accesibility: There are hundreds of free meditations on YouTube and on the web, not to mention the large amounts of free meditation apps on the phone.
Guidance: They offer guidance from an experienced meditation teacher or narrator, helping you stay on track and providing insight.
Variety: Guided meditations are done with different journeys: for example, body scan, sense-scan, visualizations, loving-kindness, and more.
Small Upfront Cost: No need to pay a high price for a course that can teach you how to meditate on your own.
Disadvantages of using Guided Meditations:
Dependency: Some individuals may become dependent on guided meditations.
Less Accessibility: You are reliant on an app, a device or a teacher to guide you every time. This can be restrictive.
Cost: High-quality guided meditation apps or sessions with experienced teachers may come with a cost.
Lower quality: Not all guided meditations are created equally. I would be wary of practicing guided meditations from just anyone as not everyone teaches/guides in the same way. I feel that Meditation (even guided meditations) taught with an effortless approach are the most effective. There is a huge amount of science to back this up. If you begin learning meditation through free apps/YouTube, you may not be getting the high-quality instruction that will be conducive to a lifelong meditation practice.
Why Learn to Meditate on your own (Self-directed and Unguided Meditation)?
Benefits of learning self-directed meditation:
Independence: Unguided meditation allows you to develop a personal practice that is not reliant on a device, app or teacher.
Flexibility: You can meditate on your own, anytime, and anywhere.
Empowerment: Over time, self-directed meditation can lead to a deeper sense of self-empowerment as you are able to meditate self-sufficiently on your own.
Long-Term Sustainability: You are less likely to become dependent on external guidance, making meditation a sustainable long-term practice.
Up-level: Once you learn how to meditate on your own, I think it enhances (not hinders) guided meditations and developing the skill allows your guided meditations to be taken to the next level.
Disadvantages of learning self-directed meditation:
Lack of Structure: Certain people might find it challenging to initially establish a meditation routine that fits into their day.
Up-front cost: If you want to learn from a high-quality experienced meditation teacher then there is usually a higher upfront cost. However, once you have learnt then it becomes a life long investment as you will know the technique for life.
The Overall Verdict!
Guided or Unguided Meditations?
My personal opinion on the matter is: BOTH. I think that it is extremely empowering to Learn How to Meditate on your own, without needing guidance from a teacher/without needing to pay for an app. The upfront cost may be higher however the long-term investment is so worth it. It is a skill you will have for life. Learning how to confidently meditate on your own will likely enhance your guided meditations. It certainly does for me.
In my own day-to-day life, I meditate on my own twice a day for 30 minutes (unguided), however 1-2 times a week I highly enjoy doing a guided meditation to mix it up.
What is important here is that if you decide to Learn How to Meditate, I highly encourage you to find a teacher that you really connect with. Not all meditation techniques are created equal - and some are certainly more effective than others.
I teach an Effortless Meditation Technique which is really easy learn and the effects can be felt within the body rather quickly. There is a large amount of science to back this up ancient technique.
I have also recorded some high-quality guided audio meditations which can be downloaded and used anytime and anywhere. These are great for both beginners and advanced meditators alike. This also comes with an instructional video where I explain how to use the effortless meditation technique during the guided sessions.
Overall there is no right or wrong when it comes to deciding between using Guided and Unguided meditations. Both have a purpose and I think a mix of both is ideal.
Hello and Welcome!
I’m Sammy, a compassionate meditation teacher and devoted yogi. Through transforming my own trauma into light, my mission is to carve the path for others to do the same.
I teach courses on how to meditate and to heal through meditation. I also guide people through private meditation journeys.
Feel free to contact me HERE
hello@theunboundself.com
My Offerings
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