{"id":11820,"date":"2020-11-18T20:29:09","date_gmt":"2020-11-18T20:29:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=11820"},"modified":"2025-02-27T13:36:49","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T13:36:49","slug":"what-does-meditation-feel-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does Meditation Feel Like? An In-depth Discussion"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#How_Do_You_Feel_When_Meditating\" >How Do You Feel When Meditating?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#Does_Meditation_Feel_Like_Falling_Asleep\" >Does Meditation Feel Like Falling Asleep?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#How_Do_I_Know_if_Im_Meditating\" >How Do I Know if I\u2019m Meditating?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#How_Do_You_Think_While_Meditating\" >How Do You Think While Meditating?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#How_to_Deepen_Your_Meditation_Experience\" >How to Deepen Your Meditation Experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#Is_Crying_Normal_During_Meditation\" >Is Crying Normal During Meditation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#What_Not_to_Do_During_Meditation\" >What Not to Do During Meditation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#Do_people_see_things_when_meditating\" >Do people see things when meditating?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#Do_you_feel_high_after_meditation\" >Do you feel high after meditation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#Are_you_supposed_to_think_about_things_while_meditating\" >Are you supposed to think about things while meditating?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#Is_it_OK_to_visualize_while_meditating\" >Is it OK to visualize while meditating?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hitting the pause button and kicking away all those stressful thoughts is important for your sanity. The daily chaos can make you irritable and fussy. You may be checking things off your to-do lists, but at the same time, you keep adding to your psychological burden.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mind.betterme.world\/en?flow=271&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Does_Meditation_Feel_Like\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-converter-1.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation is one of the best ways to tackle this situation before burnout. However, it\u2019s normal for newbies to wonder what meditation feels like. You may feel doubtful about whether the practice is working or not. And sometimes, the overwhelming thoughts of it not being fruitful can encourage you to quit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article is meant to address all the concerns of new (and old) practitioners, followed by a quick insight into spiritual experiences of meditation and tips to do it well. Let\u2019s begin!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Feel_When_Meditating\"><\/span><b>How Do You Feel When Meditating?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mindful-walking\/\">Meditation<\/a> feels different at every practice. Lots of factors can influence how you feel during a meditative state. For example, your feelings when you\u2019re overworked and tired will be completely different than when you\u2019re meditating during a picnic. On hectic days, it may take a bit longer to fall into a meditative state and get to a point where you\u2019ve quieted the everyday chatter and stopped getting dragged into a train of thought.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To better understand the experience, let\u2019s go over different meditation thoughts and states:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Active Thinking or Beta State:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This happens at the start of meditation. You may feel active and restless in the beta state (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/8080962_Changes_in_EEG_and_Autonomic_Nervous_Activity_during_Meditation_and_Their_Association_with_Personality_Traits\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relaxed Awareness or Alpha State:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You shift into this state as you ease into meditation. It promotes relaxation and prepares the body for a deep meditative state (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4666115\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Deep Meditation or Theta State:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Next, the body goes into the theta state. This improves insight, creativity, and inner peace (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/23663454_A_theory_of_alphatheta_neurofeedback_creative_performance_enhancement_long_distance_functional_connectivity_and_psychological_integration\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Advanced Meditation or Gamma State:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Gamma state is achieved during the advanced stage of meditation. This phase features high-frequency brainwaves, which can trigger enhanced brain function and better concentration (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5261734\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mind.betterme.world\/en?flow=271&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Does_Meditation_Feel_Like\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-66193\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_3-1024x576.png\" alt=\"What Does Meditation Feel Like\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_3.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_3-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_3.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_3-1636x920.png 1636w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An additional state that comes after this phase is:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Deep Sleep or Delta State:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You can enter the delta or deep <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercise-for-sleep\/\">sleep<\/a> state at the most advanced state. It is characterized by profound stillness and awareness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re a beginner who is wondering how to meditate, you should consider enrolling in a guided meditation session. A well-rounded program can help you understand how meditation works and how to make sure you make the most out of it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A quality guided meditation can make you feel warmth and light or cause vibrations throughout your body. If you can follow along with the instructor&#8217;s visualization, you may feel a burst of light or energy in your head or heart (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s12671-022-01923-6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). You may also experience tingling sensations all over your body or in targeted areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Meditation_Feel_Like_Falling_Asleep\"><\/span><b>Does Meditation Feel Like Falling Asleep?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neurobiologists say that meditation can positively change the brain over time (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/259263009_The_Neurobiology_of_Meditation_and_Mindfulness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, if meditation is so good for you, why do some people struggle to stay awake when trying to meditate?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation can feel like falling asleep, but it isn\u2019t the same. Both states involve a deep relaxation state. However, you\u2019re aware and conscious during meditation, while sleep makes you unconscious. So, the answer to the question \u201cDoes meditation feel like sleeping?\u201d is \u2013 yes, it does FEEL like sleep, but is NOT actual sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>If you wish to reach into the deep crevices of your mind, take yourself out of the mental loop, regain balance, infuse yourself with optimism, and cultivate compassion &#8211; <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/mind.betterme.world\/en?flow=271&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Does_Meditation_Feel_Like\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BetterMe: Meditation &amp; Sleep <\/a>app is exactly what you need!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s look at it this way:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation helps reduce your heart rate and lowers the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which is similar to what happens when you sleep (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22377965\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It can also create theta brainwaves, which are present when you\u2019re starting to fall asleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some practical tips that can help you stay awake while meditating:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditate while sitting up, rather than lying down. Lying down can make you feel sleepier.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid meditating in bed or near it as beds often make you feel more relaxed and sleepy. Try to find a more alert environment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s best to meditate in the morning when your mind is more awake, rather than at night when you already feel tired.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it\u2019s not too cold, open a nearby window. Fresh air and extra oxygen can help keep you awake (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9136397\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t eat a big meal before meditating &#8211; this can make you feel heavy and sleepy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure you\u2019re well-rested. If you haven&#8217;t had enough sleep, take steps to address this before you meditate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try focusing on the top of your head to help keep your mind alert. Imagining the sun above your head can also help you stay awake.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people wonder if drinking coffee before meditation helps keep you awake. While it\u2019s not wrong, it can go against the goal of meditation, which is to be aware of your current state. Stimulants such as coffee can make relaxing harder, as they may make your body and mind restless (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4668773\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that everyone is wired differently. What works for one person won\u2019t necessarily bring the desired outcome for another. So don\u2019t search for a definite answer as to what meditation will do. Think about what you want to achieve through it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are just a few tricks that can help keep sleep at bay when meditating. If the problem persists and you keep falling asleep during your meditation sessions, you should consider talking to an expert to see what other approaches you may be able to take to meditate to be more successful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/seated-yoga-positions\/\">10 Seated Yoga Positions For Beginners<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_I_Know_if_Im_Meditating\"><\/span><b>How Do I Know if I\u2019m Meditating?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve taken up meditation, remaining focused may seem like a task. Your thoughts may be all over the place and you may start to think you\u2019re going in the wrong direction. The list of signs below can help you gauge your performance and determine if you\u2019re on the right track:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>You\u2019re Conscious That You\u2019re in a Meditation<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation starts by directing your attention to an anchor point. This could be your breathing, body sensations, a <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/japa-yoga\/\">mantra<\/a>, or anything else. Beginners may find it difficult to be aligned to their anchor point. They find their minds wandering elsewhere and staying connected to the anchor becomes tough.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should know that the anchor point is a reference for mindfulness meditation, rather than something to focus on intensely. During meditation, it\u2019s normal to lose connection with it. The real practice is developing the awareness to notice when your mind drifts away, possibly even forgetting what you\u2019re doing, and then gently guiding your attention back.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Your Thought Quality Changes<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you meditate, your mind is dominated by thoughts about your instant environment. You may start to think about your current life, an incident that happened in the past, or interpersonal issues you are facing. Staying more in meditation can help to change your frame of mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A recent study from Yale University discovered that mindfulness meditation reduces activity in the default mode network (DMN) (<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.pnas.org\/content\/108\/50\/20254.short\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This is a part of the brain that is responsible for mind-wandering and self-focused thoughts, often called the \u201cmonkey mind\u201d. The DMN becomes active when you\u2019re not focused on anything specific and your thoughts jump from one thing to another.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mind-wandering is linked to feeling less happy, dwelling on the past, or worrying about the future, many people aim to quiet it down through meditation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>It Works As an Antidote for Depression and Anxiety<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A review study from Johns Hopkins examined how mindfulness meditation helps reduce symptoms of depression, <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/breathing-for-focus\/\">anxiety<\/a>, and pain (<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/archinte.jamanetwork.com\/article.aspx?articleid=1809754\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Researcher Madhav Goyal and his team found that meditation had a moderate effect size of 0.3. While this may seem small, it\u2019s important to note that antidepressants also have an effect size of 0.3, which makes the impact of meditation look quite promising in comparison.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So far, it\u2019s quite evident that meditation thoughts can vary as you progress into the practice. You may notice your thoughts becoming less invasive and feel more content when you consistently practice meditation. In addition, there will be other perks such as improved sleep and physical health, which will be discussed later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mind.betterme.world\/en?flow=271&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Does_Meditation_Feel_Like\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-65927\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_12-1024x576.png\" alt=\"What Does Meditation Feel Like\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_12.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_12-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_12.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_12-1636x920.png 1636w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Think_While_Meditating\"><\/span><b>How Do You Think While Meditating?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing what to think during meditation sets the stage for a deeper and more insightful practice. Before understanding what to think, you should remind yourself to be kind and patient as you explore the inner workings of your mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That being said, here are five thoughts to focus on during meditation:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Emphasize how your breath moves \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Breathing is the core of every exercise. Tune into the rhythm of your breath. Feel the cool air when you inhale and the warm air as you exhale.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Learn positive affirmations to enhance the practice \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Words can be a powerful trigger. Select an affirmation that works for you and silently utter it in your mind. This can be anything that gives you peace or empowers you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Concentrate on a vision that makes you feel calm \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Activate your imagination by picturing peaceful, calming scenes, such as a quiet beach, a peaceful forest, or any place that helps you feel relaxed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pay attention to the physical sensations in your body \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Focus on how your body feels. This could be relaxed, in pain, warm, or tense. Notice the support of the chair or cushion under you, the air touching your skin, or the rhythm of your heartbeat.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Emphasize being kind to yourself \u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Loving-kindness meditation is about sending positive thoughts and love into the world. Start with yourself, then reach out to loved ones, strangers, and ultimately the universe.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are just a few pointers to help you get started with meditation. Don\u2019t judge yourself, as that could stress you out. It\u2019s common for the mind to wander during meditation. If you\u2019re meditating to calm your mind but your mind still wanders, slowly return to focusing on why you started in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>BetterMe: Meditation &amp; Sleep app can help you transmute stress into serenity, pull you up from the doldrums, <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/mind.betterme.world\/en?flow=271&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Does_Meditation_Feel_Like\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free your mind from the cares and worries <\/a>of the world, quell racing thoughts and infuse you with tranquility! Start using it now and change your life!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Deepen_Your_Meditation_Experience\"><\/span><b>How to Deepen Your Meditation Experience<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term \u201cdeep meditation\u201d may evoke images of monks in robes. However, it should be noted that this experience isn\u2019t only limited to individuals isolated from the rest of the world. People like me and you can also become advanced meditation practitioners and achieve profound well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A recent study published in <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Psychiatry<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests that consistent deep meditation may help balance the gut microbiome (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gpsych.bmj.com\/content\/36\/1\/e100893\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It consists of the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that reside in the digestive system. The research revealed that the gut microbes of monks were significantly different from those of their neighbors. These specific microbes have been associated with a reduced risk of anxiety and depression, which highlights the connection between the gut and brain, known as the gut-brain axis (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/well\/2022\/08\/12\/gut-brain-connection-foods-to-improve-your-mood\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In light of such studies, it is evident that every practitioner wants to achieve a deep meditative state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some tips that may be helpful in this regard include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set up a quiet and comfortable space where you can practice without distractions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create a structured routine where you practice at the same time daily.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experiment with different meditation techniques \u2013 structured, guided, loving-kindness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider using props to support your body and enhance comfort during the practice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on your breathing &#8211; notice each inhale and exhale.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slowly increase the duration of your sessions. Start with shorter sessions and increase the time when you think you\u2019re capable enough.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allow yourself to experience different thoughts without any judgments. Then, focus on returning to the main reason why you started.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation isn\u2019t a static state. A person jumps from one mind frame to another as they progress into their sessions. According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/profiles.stanford.edu\/angela-lumba-brown\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Angela Lumba-Brown<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a clinical associate professor and co-director of the Stanford Brain Performance Center, meditation is a focused practice that can improve awareness. This focus can influence brain neurotransmitters. Our billions of neurons can send 5 to 50 signals per second, which allows fast communication with the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation increases levels of dopamine (pleasure), serotonin (happiness), and GABA (calmness), and with daily practice, these signals are sent more consistently (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4769029\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Achieving a deep meditative state can allow people to reach new psychological perspectives and ways of existing. The spiritual experiences during meditation may differ for individuals &#8211; different people hit the deeper states at their own pace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, reaching an advanced stage requires practice, patience, and persistence!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/tantric-meditation\/\">Tantric Meditation: Create More Intimacy in Your Life with This Ancient Practice<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Crying_Normal_During_Meditation\"><\/span><b>Is Crying Normal During Meditation?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It turns out that crying during meditation is quite normal. Although it\u2019s touted as being a stress-relieving practice, it can also elicit different emotions among people (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/2167702621996340\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, some of your potent emotions emerge when everything goes quiet and you aren\u2019t hammered with a workload. These emotions may have been stored inside and you coped with them by staying busy. Meditation is when these difficult emotions may start to reappear (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/2167702621996340\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve cried during meditation and feel guilty about it, don\u2019t! Instead, you can cope with your situation using the following tips:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell yourself that crying isn\u2019t a bad thing. It\u2019s a form of stress release that can lower your cortisol levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31282699\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While crying, notice what you\u2019re thinking. Are you noticing that you keep telling yourself to stop crying? Do you feel you\u2019re being too hard on yourself for being emotional? What other thoughts are on your mind?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When meditation brings up strong feelings, it can be helpful to take some time to think about what happened. You may want to talk to a friend or connect with a counselor or therapist to sort your thoughts and feelings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crying is a cleansing that could make you feel lighter and become a better version of yourself. Don\u2019t shy away from it. Allow those waterworks to do the work they\u2019re meant to so you can feel lighter!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Not_to_Do_During_Meditation\"><\/span><b>What Not to Do During Meditation<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers studying neuroimaging and brain scans have found that practicing meditation for at least 20 minutes a day can have positive and lasting effects on our mental and physical health (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/370658805_Meditation_for_Human_Mind_and_Brain_Findings_from_Functional_Neuroimaging_Investigations\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, it could be challenging to experience the benefits if you make these mistakes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try too hard to keep your mind from thinking about random things.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expect too many benefits too soon.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be inconsistent with your sessions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t follow a particular technique for a long time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditate amidst distractions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation won\u2019t sparkle a speck of fairy dust over your problems and make them disappear after the first session. You need to follow a consistent pattern and avoid the aforementioned mistakes to maximize the benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mind.betterme.world\/en?flow=271&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Does_Meditation_Feel_Like\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-61286\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Somatic_2-1024x576.png\" alt=\"What Does Meditation Feel Like\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Somatic_2.png 1024w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Somatic_2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Somatic_2.png 768w, https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Somatic_2-1636x920.png 1636w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_people_see_things_when_meditating\"><\/span><strong>Do people see things when meditating?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experienced meditators often describe seeing spontaneous visual imagery, such as lights or other images, during deep meditation (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6395393\/#:~:text=Experienced%20meditators%20often%20report%20spontaneous,light%E2%80%9D%20and%20gain%20mystical%20meaning.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These experiences are typically seen as \u201cencounters with light\u201d and are often given a mystical significance.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_feel_high_after_meditation\"><\/span><strong>Do you feel high after meditation?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After meditation, you may feel as if you\u2019re high because it releases stress and anxiety.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation increases levels of dopamine (the pleasure neurotransmitter), serotonin (the happiness neurotransmitter), and GABA (the calmness neurotransmitter).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An increase in serotonin can interact with dopamine, which may boost the feelings of euphoria that are experienced during meditation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_you_supposed_to_think_about_things_while_meditating\"><\/span><strong>Are you supposed to think about things while meditating?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thinking about a single subject can be helpful during meditation. Having a focal point during meditation helps keep your mind focused and prevents it from wandering.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_OK_to_visualize_while_meditating\"><\/span><strong>Is it OK to visualize while meditating?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visualization is key in many meditation practices, such as mindfulness and loving-kindness meditations. It is particularly helpful for beginners who struggle to quiet their minds or focus inward.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mind.betterme.world\/en?flow=271&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=What_Does_Meditation_Feel_Like\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-converter.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be taken aback if you don\u2019t get the desired results from your meditation. You may also wonder if you\u2019re doing it right and what meditation is actually supposed to feel like compared to what you\u2019re experiencing. This article clarifies that meditation allows you to bounce form from one train of thought to another &#8211; it isn\u2019t a static process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some sessions may make you happier, while others may pull you into a think-tank. We suggest you keep following a singular pattern and embrace the thoughts that come along for the ride. For further assistance, seek professional help or join a guided meditation program to reap the most rewards.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hitting the pause button and kicking away all those stressful thoughts is important for your sanity. The daily chaos can make you irritable and fussy. You may be checking things off your to-do lists, but at the same time, you keep adding to your psychological burden. Meditation is one of the best ways to tackle [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":71110,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[99],"tags":[],"coauthors":[112],"class_list":["post-11820","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-meditation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Does Meditation Feel Like? An In-depth Discussion - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you curious about \u2605 WHAT DOES MEDITATION FEEL LIKE \u27a4? This guide offers valuable insights to help you better understand the experience.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Does Meditation Feel Like? An In-depth Discussion\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Are you curious about \u2605 WHAT DOES MEDITATION FEEL LIKE \u27a4? This guide offers valuable insights to help you better understand the experience.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-02-27T13:36:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/544_-what-does-meditation-feel-like-1024x640.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jedidah Tabalia\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jedidah Tabalia\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Jedidah Tabalia\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/cc9656f06c3a2e9963c3cd2d1c157a75\"},\"headline\":\"What Does Meditation Feel Like? An In-depth Discussion\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-27T13:36:49+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/\"},\"wordCount\":2690,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/544_-what-does-meditation-feel-like.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Meditation\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Hitting the pause button and kicking away all those stressful thoughts is important for your sanity. The daily chaos can make you irritable and fussy. You may be checking things off your to-do lists, but at the same time, you keep adding to your psychological burden.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Meditation is one of the best ways to tackle this situation before burnout. However, it\u2019s normal for newbies to wonder what meditation feels like. You may feel doubtful about whether the practice is working or not. And sometimes, the overwhelming thoughts of it not being fruitful can encourage you to quit.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">This article is meant to address all the concerns of new (and old) practitioners, followed by a quick insight into spiritual experiences of meditation and tips to do it well. Let\u2019s begin!<\/span>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>How Do You Feel When Meditating?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\"><a href=\\\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mindful-walking\/\\\">Meditation<\/a> feels different at every practice. Lots of factors can influence how you feel during a meditative state. For example, your feelings when you\u2019re overworked and tired will be completely different than when you\u2019re meditating during a picnic. On hectic days, it may take a bit longer to fall into a meditative state and get to a point where you\u2019ve quieted the everyday chatter and stopped getting dragged into a train of thought.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">To better understand the experience, let\u2019s go over different meditation thoughts and states:<\/span>\\r\\n<ol>\\r\\n \\t<li style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\" aria-level=\\\"1\\\"><b>Active Thinking or Beta State:<\/b><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\"> This happens at the start of meditation. You may feel active and restless in the beta state (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/8080962_Changes_in_EEG_and_Autonomic ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/\",\"name\":\"What Does Meditation Feel Like? 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She adores her job because she can incorporate her knowledge into SEO articles about overall wellness. Jedidah takes her responsibilities seriously, therefore, meticulously studying valid sources before writing another SEO content. She believes that everyone can lead a healthy lifestyle. There's no need to stick to strict exhilarating diets and exasperate yourself with non-stop training. Jedidah knows that harmony between hearty food choices and effective training is essential.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/author\/jedidahtabalia\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What Does Meditation Feel Like? An In-depth Discussion - BetterMe","description":"Are you curious about \u2605 WHAT DOES MEDITATION FEEL LIKE \u27a4? This guide offers valuable insights to help you better understand the experience.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"nofollow"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What Does Meditation Feel Like? An In-depth Discussion","og_description":"Are you curious about \u2605 WHAT DOES MEDITATION FEEL LIKE \u27a4? This guide offers valuable insights to help you better understand the experience.","og_url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_modified_time":"2025-02-27T13:36:49+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":640,"url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/544_-what-does-meditation-feel-like-1024x640.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Jedidah Tabalia","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Jedidah Tabalia","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/"},"author":{"name":"Jedidah Tabalia","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/cc9656f06c3a2e9963c3cd2d1c157a75"},"headline":"What Does Meditation Feel Like? An In-depth Discussion","dateModified":"2025-02-27T13:36:49+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/"},"wordCount":2690,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/544_-what-does-meditation-feel-like.png","articleSection":["Meditation"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hitting the pause button and kicking away all those stressful thoughts is important for your sanity. The daily chaos can make you irritable and fussy. You may be checking things off your to-do lists, but at the same time, you keep adding to your psychological burden.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation is one of the best ways to tackle this situation before burnout. However, it\u2019s normal for newbies to wonder what meditation feels like. You may feel doubtful about whether the practice is working or not. And sometimes, the overwhelming thoughts of it not being fruitful can encourage you to quit.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article is meant to address all the concerns of new (and old) practitioners, followed by a quick insight into spiritual experiences of meditation and tips to do it well. Let\u2019s begin!<\/span>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>How Do You Feel When Meditating?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mindful-walking\/\">Meditation<\/a> feels different at every practice. Lots of factors can influence how you feel during a meditative state. For example, your feelings when you\u2019re overworked and tired will be completely different than when you\u2019re meditating during a picnic. On hectic days, it may take a bit longer to fall into a meditative state and get to a point where you\u2019ve quieted the everyday chatter and stopped getting dragged into a train of thought.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To better understand the experience, let\u2019s go over different meditation thoughts and states:<\/span>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Active Thinking or Beta State:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This happens at the start of meditation. You may feel active and restless in the beta state (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/8080962_Changes_in_EEG_and_Autonomic ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/","url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/what-does-meditation-feel-like\/","name":"What Does Meditation Feel Like? 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