What Does Meditation Feel Like? An Intimate Exploration of the Meditation Experience

Meditation is a journey that has been experienced by generations of human beings throughout history.

But what does meditation feel like? This is a question that often pops up in the minds of both beginner meditators and experienced practitioners.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the diverse experiences and feelings that you may encounter during a meditation session and hopefully help you on your journey into deep meditation.

The Mellow Warmth of Deep Meditation

When you first start meditating, you may not notice much of a difference in your mental state. But, as you continue to practice and dive deep into meditation, you might find yourself enveloped in a mellow warmth, feeling as if your entire body is gradually loosening up.

This sensation is often associated with a deep meditative state and can be quite blissful.

During deep meditation, you might experience a heightened sense of awareness, as if you’re observing your thoughts, emotions, and physical feelings from a distance. This impartial observation helps you to cultivate an awareness of your inner mind, which can lead to a profound insight into your thoughts and personal growth.

The Calmness of the Clear Blue Sky

As your meditation practice progresses, you might notice that your thoughts slow down, or try to interrupt your meditation less often, and your mind shifts from a surface awareness to more subtle thoughts.

Imagine your thoughts as clouds floating in a clear blue sky – during meditation, your perceptions cloud the sky less, and you’re left with a sense of tranquility and expansiveness.

The Ebb and Flow of Different Feelings

No two meditation sessions are alike, and the meditation feelings you experience will differ from one session to another. Some days you might experience more positive bodily sensations, while other times you may encounter negative emotions or physical pain.

It’s completely normal to have a wide range of feelings during your meditation. Just keep trying to practice non-judgmental awareness regardless of the emotions that arise. For example, if when I get an itch, I don’t immediately react to it. I notice it, observe the itch and notice how I am reacting to it. What you might find is that the itch will move, or it will fade away. And if it doesn’t, then scratch it, but at least you are now scratching mindfully.

The Challenge of Sitting Upright and Staying Awake

One of the most common meditation sensations is the struggle to maintain an upright posture without falling asleep.

Shallow breathing and a relaxed physical body can make it difficult to stay alert, especially during long meditation sessions.

That is why I suggest always sitting upright during your meditations, I dove deep into the subject of how to sit here.

Losing Awareness and Wandering Thoughts

As you meditate, you may (you will) find your mind preoccupied with daily life or losing count of your breaths as your thoughts wander.

This is also a normal part of the meditation experience. The key is to gently lure your mind back to the present moment without self-judgment or self-centeredness.

Navigating Emotional Stressors and Physical Discomfort

During meditation, you might become more aware of emotional stressors or physical discomfort that you weren’t conscious of before.

As you practice mindfulness meditation, you learn to observe these mental events and bodily sensations with impartiality, which can help you navigate stressful situations more effectively in daily life.

If at any point to start to feel overwhelmed by your emotions, then gently end the practice and consider speaking to a therapist before you continue.

Deep Meditation Feel: Pure Bliss and Beyond

When you’re meditating deeply, you may experience a state of pure bliss, where your mind feels at peace and your body is free from tension.

But don’t cling to these positive meditation sensations or expect them in every session. Some days will be good, some will be great, some will be not so-great, and some will be downright terrible. Having fewer expectations allows you to fully immerse yourself in the meditation experience, regardless of the feelings that arise.

How Do I Know If I’m Meditating Correctly?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what a successful meditation session looks like. Meditation is a personal journey, and your meditation experiences may differ from those of others.

If you’re practicing regularly and without judgment, you’re likely on the right track.

Exploring Different Meditation Styles and Techniques

There are numerous meditation types and techniques to explore, each offering unique experiences and benefits.

You might find that certain practices resonate with you more than others. Some popular meditation practices include mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, visualization meditation, and guided meditation.

Related: 9 Different Types of Meditation: Find the Right One For You (With Examples)

By experimenting with different meditation styles, you can discover the methods that best suit your personality, lifestyle, and goals.

Try to remain open-minded and flexible in your meditation experiences, as what works for you today may not be as effective tomorrow.

The Benefits of Daily Meditation Practice

Establishing a daily meditation practice can lead to numerous mental, emotional, and physical benefits.

Regular meditation can help reduce stress, improve concentration, foster self-awareness, and promote better sleep. Additionally, meditation has been linked to lower blood pressure and improved overall well-being.

Tips for Deepening Your Meditation Practice

To get the most out of your meditation practice, consider incorporating the following tips:

1: Set a consistent meditation schedule

Practicing meditation at the same time each day can help establish a routine and increase the likelihood of maintaining a daily meditation practice.

2: Find a quiet and comfortable space

A dedicated meditation space free from distractions can help you focus and deepen your meditation experience.

3: Experiment with different breathing techniques

Breathing techniques can help you achieve a more relaxed and focused mental state during meditation.

4: Be patient and compassionate with yourself

Remember that meditation is a journey, and it’s normal to experience ups and downs. Cultivate self-compassion and patience as you progress in your practice.

5: Embracing the Unpredictability of Meditation Feelings

As you continue to meditate, it’s essential to embrace the unpredictability of meditation feelings and sensations.

Your meditation experiences will vary from session to session, and that’s completely normal. Instead of striving for a specific feeling or outcome, focus on cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.

The Beauty of One Meditation Session

Remember, each meditation session is an opportunity to practice self-awareness, mindfulness, and self-compassion.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced meditator, every session is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. No matter what meditation feels like for you, embrace the journey with an open heart and a curious mind.

The takeaway

The Ever-Changing Nature of Meditation Experiences

So, what does meditation feel like? There’s no single answer to this question, as meditation experiences are as diverse as the individuals who practice them.

As you continue to meditate, you’ll likely encounter a wide range of feelings, sensations, and experiences.

Embrace the ever-changing nature of your meditation journey, and remember that each session is an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. As you practice non-judgmental awareness and mindfulness, you’ll find that meditation can be a powerful tool for cultivating inner peace, self-awareness, and emotional resilience.

So, go ahead, take a deep gulp of self-awareness, and embark on your meditation journey with an open heart and an inquisitive mind. Happy meditating!