Quiz: I Want to Learn to Meditate, Where Do I Start?.

For beginners though, it can be overwhelming to find your starting point. There are hundreds of meditation programs, styles, techniques, and classes—how do you know where to start?

Your starting point as a beginning meditator will depend on where your interest and experience lies, how you best learn, and your commitment level. It’s common for some people to begin at the point of being curious with meditation and mindfulness, and want to just dip a toe into the practice to see if it’s right for them. Others may try meditation and want to dive right in, create a consistent practice, and integrate it into their lifestyle right away.

This quiz is designed to help you find your “next step” on your journey with meditation. Please choose the response that most closely aligns with how you feel, and we’ll tally up your responses at the end and point you in the right direction.
 

Question #1: Have you ever tried meditation?

A. A couple of times
B. No, but I’ve heard great things about it
C. Yes, I’ve tried it and am already hooked
D. I recently started meditating every day
E. Not yet, but my doctor (or health care provider) told me it would do me good 
 

Question #2: What’s holding you back from a consistent meditation practice?

A. I’m not really sure if I’m doing it right. I’d like to learn from someone more experienced
B. I have no idea where to start
C. I know I want to start meditating every day, but I need something to help me jump-start my practice—maybe a teacher, class or workshop would help
D. Nothing’s holding me back! I have a consistent meditation practice
E. Perhaps my skepticism. To be honest, I’m not convinced about the whole meditation thing yet
 

Question #3: Which description of meditation sounds best to you?

A. Uplifting, gets me into the zone, energizing
B. Relaxing music, a soft voice to guide, a theme or lesson to keep my interest
C. Anything spiritual that helps me connect to my truest self
D. I love all kinds of meditation, especially mantra-based meditation
E. The kind that helps improve my health
 

Question #4: To de-stress, what do you like to listen to?

A. Nothing, I enjoy the quiet
B. I enjoy listening to relaxing music
C. Total silence helps me de-stress, but I also enjoy relaxing music
D. Yogic chants, singing bowls, silence, and relaxing music are all helpful to de-stress; it just depends on my mood
E. I don’t know, I’m not sure how to de-stress (maybe that’s why I should start meditating!)
 

Question #5: When do you see yourself meditating?

A. I’d like to try meditating every day, but have no idea how I’ll do that
B. When I’m stressed out
C. Every day, maybe twice a day
D. Morning and afternoon
E. It’s hard to picture myself meditating
 

Question #6: Which of these scenarios helps you learn something new in the best way?

A. In a classroom or group
B. I learn best by doing; I’m not much for classroom settings or watching demonstrations
C. I like to get to know a teacher, ask a lot of questions, and learn in a group with other like-minded people
D. I learn best by teaching others
E. I learn best through repetition and creating habits
 

Question #7: When you’re walking or exercising, what do you like to focus on?

A. My breath
B. Music, audiobook, or a podcast
C. I try to focus on positive thoughts and affirmations
D. Yoga is my exercise, so normally a yogic breath is my point of focus
E. I just try NOT to focus on the physical discomfort I experience when exercising
 

Question #8: What do you hope to gain from a meditation practice?

A. Learn to de-stress and find balance
B. Get out of my head, find focus, de-stress
C. Enjoy the present moment more often and gain a deeper understanding of myself
D. I’ve already gained so much; I’m ready to share these gifts with others
E. Improve my health and release stress
 

Question #9: If you were lost in a new place, how would you find your way?

A. I’d find a map and ask for directions from someone close by if GPS wasn’t available
B. I’d find the closest Wifi connection and ask Google where I was
C. I’d ask around until I got directions
D. Getting lost is part of finding your way
E. I’d call a friend for help if I didn’t have GPS
 

Question #10: How would you describe your spirituality?

A. You’re curious about spirituality, but don’t really consider yourself a spiritual person
B. You don’t necessarily consider yourself spiritual, but you enjoy learning about affirmations, positive thinking, and uplifting thoughts
C. You are open to exploring all kinds of spirituality and trying new rituals and practices
D. You engage in deep meditation and/or prayer regularly, and like the idea of creating an altar as part of your practice
E. You don’t consider yourself to be a spiritual person, but enjoy learning about different cultures and spiritual practices.

Now tally up how many A’s, B’s, C’s, D’s, and E’s you got and click on the button that most closely matches your score.   

Answer Key

Mostly A’s: It’s Time for a Weekend of Meditation

Leave the daily grind of life behind and join us—along with a small group of like-minded people—in a restorative space where our master teachers will guide you through the ins and outs of a meditation practice at Meditation Weekend.

Mostly B’s: You’re Just Curious

You’re looking for ways to de-stress and unwind, and meditation seems like the right tool. You’re curious about a practice, but not yet sure you want to dive right in. Trying meditation on your own sounds a lot more do-able than going to a class or heading to a retreat.

We recommend you start with a digital meditation product, so you can learn to meditate in the comfort of your own home on your own schedule. Start slow with one of the following Chopra Center meditation offerings, but be warned: it won’t take long before you’re hooked!

• Try the new Ananda Platform and App: Mix and match music and meditation themes, set the length of your meditations and more
• Check out the 21-Day Meditation Experience
• Sign up for the Basics of Meditation Online Course and learn how to meditate online with Deepak
• Try one of our favorite online guided meditations
   

Mostly C’s: You’re Ready to Learn at a Retreat

You’ve dabbled with meditation and are ready to dive in head first and immerse yourself in the practice. It’s time for you to go on a meditation retreat.

Join us at Seduction of Spirit, for a week of meditation, yoga, rejuvenation, and renewal. A week of learning meditation, yoga, and the deeper philosophies behind Vedic wisdom from Deepak Chopra, master educators, and special guest teachers like Martha Beck, Marianne Williamson, Esther Hicks, Eckhart Tolle, and other spiritual luminaries will be the perfect thing to help you jump-start a regular meditation practice.

Get ready to re-ignite your purpose in life and tune into the peace of present moment awareness at Seduction of Spirit.

Mostly D’s: You’re a Born Teacher

You are ALL IN. You’ve tried meditation and right away, you were hooked. You want to share the practice with everyone you know since it’s done such great things for you.

If you are feeling called to lead, teach, and deepen your practice, take the next step and get certified to teach Primordial Sound Meditation. Over the course of the certification program, you will learn how to share the Chopra Center teachings with others and you’ll get a deeper understanding of the ancient teachings. After all, they say, the best way to learn is to teach…

Mostly E’s: You Want to Reap the Health Benefits of Meditation

You may be a hesitant about meditating, but it’s hard to ignore the scientific research backing an array of health benefits. Even skeptics are giving meditation a whirl, so why shouldn’t you?

Join us at Perfect Health, where you will not only learn how to meditate in a smaller setting, but also learn how to find your way back to health and well-being. Since the primary reason for your curiosity in meditation is to manage your stress and a heal a health issue, the week-long Perfect Health program may be just what the doctor ordered.

Combining the wisdom of the Eastern healing arts with the best in modern Western medicine, Perfect Health is a total mind-body healing experience. Our highly trained team of physicians, certified educators, and healing arts masters will guide you through a week that will help you restore your balance and address your personal health and life concerns.