How I’ve Meditated Consistently for 10+ Years (Without the Apps)
When people find out I’ve had a consistent meditation practice for over a decade, the first thing they often ask is: What app do you use?
My answer? I don’t. No app, no subscription, no soothing voice in my ear. Just me, my breath, and a simple formula I can take anywhere – whether I’m at home, on a plane, or in a parking lot.
If you’ve ever wondered how to start meditating or how to make it stick, I hope these simple meditation tips help. Because you don’t need perfect conditions or a fancy routine! You just need to begin, exactly where you are.
I Started With Just One Minute
When I first started meditating, I didn’t sit down for 20 minutes a day. I started with one quiet minute.
One minute to close my eyes, take a breath, and simply notice. My body. My thoughts. The ground beneath me. It wasn’t life-changing at first, but it was doable. And that mattered more than anything.
Over time, that one minute became two. Then five. Now I practice about five to 10 minutes, five days a week. Not because I have to, but because I want to. It’s become something I crave, like a reset button for my mind that can often default to being anywhere but here.
If you’re building a daily meditation habit, start small (even smaller than you think). One minute might not seem like much at first, but it’s a powerful place to begin. In fact, studies have shown that even one minute of meditation can restore calm, boost positivity, and relax the body.
I Learned a Formula That Works for Me
One of the best meditation tips I’ve ever learned is this: don’t make your practice dependent on the perfect environment. I don’t need Wi-Fi, music, or a voice telling me what to do. Why? Because over the years, I’ve developed a simple meditation formula I can use anytime, anywhere. It goes with me because it lives in me.
Here’s what it looks like:
Sit comfortably and close your eyes
Feel the ground beneath you (as soon as you do this - you’re mind is present!)
Gently remind yourself why you’re prioritizing time to meditate - how do you want this time to benefit you?
Focus your attention on your breath
When your mind wanders (because it will), return your focus back to the breath – no judgment required!
Before you open your eyes, remind yourself: the benefits of this practice ripple outward to your family, your friends, your work, your community
Then, stand up and move on with your day!
That’s it. No app required. Just a few minutes of presence that help me feel more grounded and intentional wherever I am.
I Dropped the Self-Criticism
In the beginning, I thought meditation meant clearing my mind completely. So when my thoughts wandered (which they always did), I’d get frustrated, like I was doing it wrong.
But here’s the truth: your mind will wander. That’s not failure. That’s part of the practice.
Once I let go of the self-criticism and started approaching meditation with curiosity, kindness, and compassion, everything shifted. Instead of beating myself up, I gently guided my focus back to the breath.
That simple shift is one of the biggest reasons I’ve stayed consistent all these years. Because what you practice gets easier. And when you practice self-kindness, even in one quiet moment a day, it starts to show up in the rest of your life, too.
I Focused on Perseverance, Not Perfection
Let’s be honest – life happens. Some days are busy, stressful, or just plain messy, and meditation doesn’t always fit in. But I’ve learned that consistency doesn’t mean every single day. It means coming back, again and again, because you know it has the power to shift you.
There have been seasons when I missed a few days (or more). But instead of giving up or starting over, I just picked it back up. I reminded myself why I do it – to feel more present, more grounded, more like myself.
My best advice? If you’re wondering how to start meditating and actually stick with it, don’t aim for perfection. Aim for the return. That’s where the real growth happens.
I CREATED a Community
Meditation might look like a solo practice, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. For me, building a community made all the difference. Being surrounded by people who “get it” helped me stay accountable, inspired, and reminded that I wasn’t the only one navigating the ups and downs of building a habit.
If you’re trying to create a daily meditation practice, consider finding your people. Join a class, talk to a friend, or be part of a group that shares the same intention. Or, to ease yourself in with some gentle guidance, join me for my next 7-Day Challenge – a chance to kickstart your mindfulness habits and reconnect with calm (even when life feels full). Join July’s Savour the Summer Challenge or see what’s next here.
You Don’t Need an App. You Just Need to Start.
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this post, it’s that you don’t need a perfect routine, a fancy setup, or a monthly subscription to meditate. You just need a few minutes, a little intention, and a willingness to begin.
If you’re ready to build a simple, sustainable meditation habit that actually fits into real life, I’d love to show you how. Join me in my Create a Consistent Meditation Practice program. You’ll learn the exact formula I’ve used for over a decade – no app, no pressure, just calm you can carry with you.
