Open awareness

Best for those who prefer flexibility and independent learning. Start with apps or online guides. It may be challenging to stay motivated or avoid distractions, but it's a gentle introduction.

Excellent for personalised attention and rapid growth. A meditation coach can tailor sessions to your needs, offering specific guidance on open awareness. It’s ideal if you’re looking for deep, structured support.

Group sessions offer guidance and shared learning experiences. While many teach different meditation styles, you may need to specifically look for open awareness. This setting helps with motivation and structure.

Easily accessible via apps and free online resources. Start whenever you like with minimal setup.

Finding a meditation coach who specialises in open awareness may require research. Availability can vary depending on location and coach’s schedule, but many offer online sessions.

Group practices are common, but open awareness may not always be taught. You'll need to ask or search for specific groups that focus on this technique, whether in-person or online.

Free or low cost when using apps or online videos. Premium content typically ranges from $10–$20. Ideal for those on a budget.

Meditation coaches charge anywhere from $100 to $200 per session. The cost reflects personalised, focused sessions. Some coaches offer packages, which may lower the per-session price.

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. When you understand the technique, self-guiding without an app is realistic. You can practice anywhere you feel safe and comfortable – at home, in a park or even in a quiet office space at work.

A coach will guide you, so no special equipment is required beyond a comfortable place to practice, especially for online sessions. You’ll need a quiet space to ensure focus during 1:1 sessions.

Most group sessions only require a comfortable place to sit. Some studios provide mats or cushions, but no special tools are needed. You’ll just need to bring yourself and a willingness to try.

Practising alone may feel isolating for some as 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 supportive relationship, but it lacks the broader community aspect. The focus is highly personal, so it lacks the shared experience of group settings.

Group meditation sessions offer social interaction and shared experiences, but finding open awareness-focused groups may take effort. Group sessions allow for some community building.

Safe if you follow trusted guides or apps, but there’s no immediate feedback if you encounter challenges or have questions. It’s a slower path to improving technique.

One-on-one coaching offers personalised feedback and attention. Coaches help refine your technique and guide you through challenges, accelerating your skill development in a safe, focused way.

Group sessions provide feedback from instructors or peers, helping to build skills in a supportive environment.

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

You’ll need a quiet, private space for your 1:1 sessions, especially for online meetings. Ensuring a distraction-free environment is important for focused, personal meditation practice.

Groups usually meet in shared spaces, so privacy is not a major concern. You’ll be practising in a communal setting, either in-person or online, where personal space is respected.

Completely flexible. You can practise whenever it suits you, making this option ideal for those with busy or unpredictable schedules.

Coaches typically offer flexible scheduling, but you’ll need to coordinate with their availability.

Group sessions are held at set times, which may not always align with your schedule. While many online groups offer more flexibility, finding one that teaches open awareness with the frequency you want may require extra effort.

Simply get yourself seated, open your app or website and begin. There’s very little setup time involved, and you can start your practice in just a few minutes.

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 5-10 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.

This meditation technique may make you so relaxed you slip into a mini nap. And while this is not the aim of meditation, it might be just what you needed.

The accountability of having to show up for an individual session may be just what you need to make your practice regular.

Group meditation sessions often include time for questions and answers. You might gain broader insights into meditation practices beyond just open awareness.