Do you prefer to meditate on silence or do a guided meditation and why? Is it related to how long you’ve been meditating for?

I prefer guided or my mind wonders. Guided gives me something to focus on and keeps me away from any unhealthy thought patterns. The guided meditations also provide perspective I wouldn’t otherwise have had and act as a form of therapy for me. I’ve been using the Shine app for my daily meditation and sometimes search their extra features when I’m need of something more. I think silent meditation has its place if you have a quiet place to practice and you are just want to clear all your thoughts or you are able to guide your own self reflection. Both have their place. At this point in my life guided works best for me.

Thank you for asking, I appreciate the opportunity to reflect on this. When I was first introduced to meditation, I think I liked the guided sessions better. As the practice continues, I’m finding it beneficial to be in silence. Often, I like to see if I can hold a “state” of meditation for most of the day. It’s a challenge, but the spaces in between are magic. Thank you again for asking.

A guided meditation give me focus and a way of concentrating on the voice of the guide or guru. It is a fact that my mind wanders easily to the things I need to do for the day or think of a commitment I need to make when left alone. Although moving slowly towards silent meditation would be my goal since it removes all types of dependency on any gadget. And so, after a few attempts of guided meditation, I prefer slowly to move towards silent meditation.

So far, I prefer guided meditation to silent. Why? Because I sometimes forget my intention to meditate and engage in mind-wandering. Guided meditation provides a nice prompt to return to the present moment, reminding me of my purpose. Perhaps this will change as I grow in my practice. I imagine it will. But for now, I must simply keep practicing and noticing.

At first it is easier to meditate with guidance. Then guiding voice becomes irritating and distracting. That’s why I prefer meditating in silence or with soft music in the background

I prefer a guided meditation as I feel I get distracted if I a man in silence. The sound give s me something to focus on. Also I find it quite soothing

It varies, if I have a focus like a scripture or sutra I’ll meditate in silence. However my nightly meditation is a talk down to unwind &sleep

That depends on my intentions. If I want to have a specific theme, I like guided meditations. If I just want to calm my mind and practice my awareness, I meditate on silence or some focus at hand.

Since I am still new at meditating, I find it easier to use guided meditations. I meditate in the morning after I drink my water, and at night to help me get a deeper sleep.

I do a type of guided meditation. I created a playlist that begins and ends with a meditation bell. In between I do a mantra meditation based on the mantra “so ham” which translates as “ I am”. I am fairly new to meditation and it helps me to focus on my breath and bring myself back when my mind begins to wander. It is about 12 minutes long, but I hope to extend it or perhaps find another time later in the day to repeat it.