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Meditation Practices for Beginners
Trivia: The art technique “pointillism” is best described as using what?
RetireHub
July 11, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Friday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing smart tips on meditation practices for beginners, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
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What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: N.S. Wikarski In The Granite Key, the first volume of the Arkana Series, an antique dealer is murdered over a mysterious cipher stone tied to powerful ancient secrets. Her sister Cassie is thrust into a hidden world of secret societies, ancient artifacts, and a global quest that could rewrite history. As Cassie joins the Arkana agents on a high-stakes mission to Crete, they must outrun a ruthless cult and unearth a lost Minoan treasure—before it buries them first. |
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On this day in 1804, Vice President Aaron Burr fatally shot former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton in their infamous duel at Weehawken, New Jersey. The tragic event sent shockwaves through the young nation, effectively ending Burr’s political career and reshaping perceptions of honor and leadership in early America.
Meditation Practices for Beginners: Finding Calm in the Everyday
In a world filled with constant noise, movement, and mental clutter, meditation offers a quiet space to rest and recharge. For beginners, the word “meditation” might bring to mind images of sitting perfectly still for hours or clearing the mind completely—but the truth is, meditation can be simple, flexible, and surprisingly accessible.
At its core, meditation is the practice of focusing your attention and eliminating the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind. It’s not about perfection, but about presence. Even just a few minutes a day can improve clarity, reduce stress, and promote emotional well-being.
Getting Started: No Experience Needed
One of the best ways to begin meditating is through mindful breathing. Find a comfortable seat or lie down, close your eyes if you’d like, and bring your attention to your breath. Notice how it feels as you inhale and exhale. When your mind wanders (and it will!), gently bring your attention back to your breath. That’s meditation.
Another easy practice is the body scan. Starting at your toes and working your way up, slowly bring awareness to each part of your body. Are you holding tension in your shoulders? Are your hands resting comfortably? This technique helps reconnect your mind and body and is especially helpful before bedtime.
Guided meditation is a great tool for beginners. Apps like Insight Timer, Calm, or even YouTube videos can lead you through meditations focused on gratitude, stress relief, or even better sleep. You can choose short sessions—just five or ten minutes—and build from there.
Mantra meditation is another option. This involves repeating a word or phrase (such as “peace” or “I am calm”) either aloud or in your mind. The repetition helps anchor your thoughts and brings a sense of rhythm to your practice.
Tips for Success
Start small: Just 2–5 minutes a day is enough to build a habit.
Be kind to yourself: Your mind will wander. That’s okay.
Create a cozy space: A quiet corner with a pillow or soft lighting can help set the mood.
Practice regularly: Consistency is more important than length.
Whether you’re looking for more inner peace, better sleep, or simply a moment to pause, meditation is a gentle and rewarding way to begin.
🧘♀️ Do you meditate? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: What’s your favorite way to enjoy a state or national park?
What a beautiful snapshot of how we connect with nature! According to our recent poll, the top way readers enjoy state and national parks is from behind the wheel—scenic drives and overlooks stole the show with nearly 40% of the vote. There’s something magical about winding through forested roads or pausing at a breathtaking vista, especially with good company or a favorite playlist in the background.
Hiking the trails came in second, reminding us how nourishing a peaceful walk can be, whether it’s a short loop or a heart-pumping trek. And for those who prefer a gentler pace, picnicking, wildlife photography, and camping each had their fans too—proof that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to outdoor joy. Notably, a sweet portion of you said you love learning about parks from home, which we love just as much. After all, curiosity knows no bounds, and sometimes a cozy armchair and a good nature doc are the perfect pairing.
Wherever and however you enjoy the great outdoors, thank you for sharing your favorite ways to soak it all in.
TOP COMMENTS
“My hiking days are over, we enjoy scenic drives.”
“All of the ways listed are great!”
“We would love to travel, visit many parks and sites, but with all of our pets it just isn't possible. Cost being the main factor.”
Pilates for All Ages: Gentle Modifications to Strengthen, Stretch, and Balance
Pilates isn't just for the young and bendy—it's a powerful, low-impact way for older adults to build strength, improve posture, and stay mobile. With simple modifications like seated or standing versions of classic moves, added support from towels or resistance bands, and a focus on gentle core engagement, Pilates becomes more accessible and joint-friendly. Add in breathing techniques, light balance work, and a steady pace, and you have a routine that supports flexibility, stability, and overall well-being—making it a great fit at any age or stage.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Pick me
Meaning: A "pick me" is someone who seeks attention or approval—often from the opposite sex—by putting others down or acting overly eager to be chosen, especially in romantic or social situations. The term is usually used to describe someone who tries hard to stand out in a way that feels disingenuous or self-deprecating.
In a sentence: “During bridge club, Edna rolled her eyes and whispered, ‘There goes Doris again, telling everyone she’s the only one who still bakes from scratch—classic ‘pick me’ behavior!’”
Good News of the Day
A Magpie’s Gratitude: A Rescue Repaid Years Later
In a touching story from Esperance, Australia, wildlife lover Sandie Gillard once saved a wounded baby magpie she named Jellybean. Years later, after a fall from a second-story window that left her unconscious, Jellybean returned the favor—rapping gently on her forehead until she awoke. This emotional reunion illustrates the enduring power of kindness and reciprocity—showing that compassion, even for the smallest creatures, can come back to us in the most unexpected and life-changing ways.
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
What is the term for a baseball player who hits a home run with the bases loaded? |
The art technique “pointillism” is best described as using what? |
Which country is the largest producer of vanilla beans? |
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