Meditation 101: Finding inner peace

<p>News 12's Stephanie Rose answers all your questions about meditation.</p><p><strong>MORE:</strong> <a href="http://longisland.news12.com/clip/13767309/mediation-101-extra-demystifying-meditation">Demystifying meditation</a> | <a href="http://news12li.images.worldnow.com/library/1dbd5236-5c14-4b90-87d5-6411225f2b15.pdf">Yoga Q&amp;A</a></p>

News 12 Staff

Sep 28, 2017, 9:00 AM

Updated 2,411 days ago

Share:

Meditation is all about quieting the mind - but do you actually need a quiet mind to start?
"The biggest misconception about meditation is that you have to quiet your mind - because that's impossible," says teacher Theresa Banks.
Meditation is a major focus of Kundalini yoga class. According to Banks, it's normal to have a lot of mental chatter when you first start out. With practice and patience, she says, your thoughts and your body will eventually start to relax - and that can really help with stress, anxiety and depression. 
But there is more than one way to find that inner peace.
"There's guided meditation - and that's a great way for someone to start - because it gives the mind something to do," says Banks.
You can also try anything that captures your full attention: journaling, singing or listening to music, drawing, painting or walking - there are even apps for your phone.
And one technique can be your go to - anytime, anywhere. 
"When your breath is calm and relaxed - You are also calm and relaxed. So if you're feeling this anxiety come up - you can just take a few breaths or go into a breathing technique - and no one even has to know what you're doing," says Banks.

Stephanie Rose's Facebook Live on how to get started in meditation.


More from News 12
2:14
Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

1:39
Morning rains before cloudy, warm Monday afternoon for Long Island

Morning rains before cloudy, warm Monday afternoon for Long Island

1:53
Long Island's Jewish communities pause and reflect on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Long Island's Jewish communities pause and reflect on Holocaust Remembrance Day

1:34
2nd annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival celebrated at Cinema Arts Center in Huntington

2nd annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival celebrated at Cinema Arts Center in Huntington

0:23
Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

0:50
Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

0:30
Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

0:24
Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

0:27
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

0:21
State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

0:45
Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

1:50
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

0:46
Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

0:53
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst