Most days, I try to offer one person advice on meditation on the website Reddit. I think of it as a small service for discovering this practice over a decade ago, and an important step in providing others a strong future.

By far, the most common advice I can offer people is to find a small group with which to meditate. Whether folks are just getting started, looking for a new level of understanding, or confused about some phenomenon arising in their practice, group helps. Meditation itself builds community, and a small, caring group of mindful people are immeasurably beneficial in supporting each other in the journey to consciousness and awareness. In Buddhism, this is referred to as Sangha, the supportive community which assists in cultivating wisdom and achieving enlightenment.

I have no idea why this is, and like many things associated with meditation, it is paradoxical. We meditate alone, without talking, or interacting, but for some reason we benefit when we do it together, silently, and then possibly have a conversation about it. It might be accountability, since you are likely not going to get up and start cleaning the room when you are surrounded by 11 silent people. It may be the sense of feeling supported and part of a group, which can lead individuals to doing extraordinary things. Or it may have something to do with the nature of humanity, that we operate as mirrors to each other, and we actually drill deeper into our true selves when we are collaborating together.

If you are searching for a group, I advocate two things: make sure the group provides to you as well as asks, and make sure you feel energized by meetings, and not drained.

-There is risk in joining anything, and a meditation group is no different. But most groups will ask that you show up on time, follow some norms, and perhaps contribute a small amount of money to fund their space. Most religions have a meditation tradition, and are welcoming to those who believe differently, but are willing to practice similarly. If the group insists you follow only their teachings, or practice only their way, this is a red flag. But if you join a meditation group, make sure to practice at least the meditation the same way, as it is discordant to the group for you to do your own thing, even silently. Think of their meditation tradition as being provided to you.

-As for the meetings, expect them to energize you. While you will likely disagree with some of the people in your group, they may provide a contrast which offers you wisdom. Attending should not be exhausting, regardless of your personality type or preferences.

Jesus was very clear about these benefits, stating, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” [Matthew 18:20]. There is a holy presence when we meditate together, so go out and seek it!