Mantra

Ideal for beginners who prefer flexibility and independence. Self-led practice is great for trying out mantra meditation at your own pace, with or without guidance from apps or videos.

While beneficial for personalised growth, 1:1 coaching is not essential for mantra meditation, as the practice is straightforward and easy to begin on your own.

However, an instructor may prove beneficial for advice to deepen your practice.

Group sessions can help keep you motivated and provide structured guidance. While not all group practices will focus solely on mantras, some meditation classes offer this option.

Many meditation apps offer mantra meditation, and online videos or podcasts provide easy-to-follow guides. Available any time of day.

When you get the hang of this technique, it might even be preferable to be self-led.

Personalised coaching is available through meditation teachers or meditation platforms, though most people won’t need this level of guidance for a simple practice like mantra meditation.

Group sessions may not always focus on mantras, but they are available in meditation centres, yoga studios and online classes. You may need to specifically seek out mantra-based sessions.

This technique can easily be self-taught and self-led.

However there are many free or low cost apps that provide access to basic mantra meditations. Premium versions may cost $10–$20 monthly but often offer in-depth courses or features.

1:1 coaching generally costs $100–$200 per session, depending on the teacher's experience and the level of personalised instruction. Some teachers offer discounted packages for long-term commitments.

Group sessions often cost between $10–$30 per session, with some free community groups available. Online groups are usually more affordable, though specialised workshops can be pricier.

Just a quiet space and a device to access apps or videos if you prefer guidance. When you understand the technique, self-guiding without an app is realistic. You can practise anywhere you feel safe and comfortable –at home, in a park or even in a quiet office space at work.

No special equipment is required for 1:1 coaching beyond a device for online sessions and a comfortable quiet place to sit.

For group sessions, all you need is a comfortable space to sit. Most studios will provide mats or cushions if in person, and online classes require only your participation.

Practising alone may feel isolating, and there’s little opportunity for connection or feedback. It’s great for independent learners but not for those seeking social support.

Working with a meditation coach builds a close, supportive relationship, but it lacks the broader community aspect. The focus is highly personal, so it lacks the shared experience of group settings.

Group settings offer a sense of community, with peers who share insights and experiences. While the focus isn’t on socialising, you may benefit from group participation and mutual encouragement.

Safe as long as you follow trusted instructions or guides. Without direct feedback, there’s a chance of becoming discouraged or misunderstanding the practice, but it’s generally simple to self-correct.

A coach can offer personalised instruction, ensuring you build strong meditation habits and address any issues. This option provides the most customised support.

Group sessions offer real-time guidance from instructors, helping you develop proper techniques. Feedback is available if you need clarification on your mantra or practice style.

You can practice anywhere with minimal privacy required. A quiet corner at home or even outdoors in a safe environment can work well for solo practice.

1:1 coaching often requires a quiet, distraction-free space to get the most out of the session, especially if it’s held online. You’ll want to ensure privacy for focused practice.

Group sessions, whether online or in-person, don’t require complete privacy. You’ll practice in a shared space or virtual group, and there’s no need for total seclusion.

Completely flexible. Self-led practice allows you to fit meditation into your schedule at any time. Apps and guides offer sessions of varying lengths, making it easy to adapt.

Scheduling 1:1 sessions depends on the availability of the coach. While some offer flexible hours, finding a regular time slot that works for both parties might take some coordination.

Group sessions are scheduled at specific times, so you’ll need to align with their timetable. Online options may be more plentiful, but in-person classes require planning.

Simply find a comfortable spot and start your meditation. The process is quick, with minimal setup needed to begin your practice.

Setting up 1:1 sessions requires coordination with your coach. You’ll also need a distraction-free space for the session, which may take a bit of planning, but once set up, the practice is straightforward.

Joining a group may require some setup, especially if you’re attending in person. Consider travel time.

If you are attending online, ensure your environment will be conducive to meditating for an extended period of time.

Self-led practice can be as short as a couple of minutes or as long as you like. You set your own pace based on your availability and energy levels.

Individual meditation sessions generally run 30–60 minutes, with time for personalised instruction and practice. These sessions offer a deep dive into open meditation, helping you refine your skills with expert guidance.

Group sessions typically last around 45–60 minutes, with structured time for learning and practising. You may need to be prepared to sit for the full sessions as some groups prefer people not to leave mid session.

Because this meditation is so easy to learn and can be self-led, it's a perfect option if you can't sleep in the middle of the night and you want to help yourself relax.

If your coach is online, you can have your dog or cat sitting with you. They'll probably start snoring because it's so relaxing for them when you're deeply calm. And that's pretty cute.

If you've been in a grumpy mood all day, you're bound to feel happier when you come back from mantra meditation.