<blockquote>
<p><strong>💡 My 2026 Booking Strategy (The "Hacker" Summary)</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Booking.com (Genius L3)</strong>: My go-to for Europe. It took me years to hit Level 3, but that lifetime <strong>10-20%</strong> discount is a game-changer.</li>
<li><strong>Agoda (VIP Diamond)</strong>: Best for Asia. The pricing UI is still a bit of a mess, but the AgodaCash rewards are actually worth the effort.</li>
<li><strong>Trip.com (Trip Coins)</strong>: My new favorite for one-stop trips. Their AI assistant <code>TripGenie</code> saved me hours of Google Maps cross-referencing on my last Kyoto trip.</li>
<li><strong>Expedia (One Key)</strong>: Great for big family trips where you can pool points from flights and stays together.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p>Hi, I'm Chi-wei. After a decade in the hotel industry and hundreds of personal trips, people always ask me: "Which booking site is actually the cheapest?"</p>
<p>Back in the day, I'd say "it depends." But in 2026, the game has changed. Booking isn't just about the lowest sticker price anymore—it's about "AI IQ" and specific loyalty perks. I've wasted thousands of dollars over the years making rookie mistakes, so I'm writing this guide to help you avoid the same traps.</p>
<h2>Core Pros &#x26; Cons: My Firsthand Observations</h2>
<h3>The Good:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Zero Friction</strong>: You can book a room in 30 seconds without ever talking to a human (which, as an introvert, I love).</li>
<li><strong>The "Safety Net"</strong>: When a hotel in Bali "lost" my reservation at midnight, the OTA's 24/7 support was the only reason I didn't sleep on the street.</li>
<li><strong>Elite Perks</strong>: Once you hit high tiers, the free breakfast and room upgrades actually become regular occurrences, not just marketing fluff.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Bad:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>The Cancellation Headache</strong>: I once miscalculated a "24-hour" cancellation window due to a time zone error on Agoda and lost $500. <strong>Pro Tip: Always set your reminders based on the hotel’s local time!</strong></li>
<li><strong>The "Hidden" Commission</strong>: Remember, hotels pay these sites 15-20%. Sometimes, I’ll find a great deal online and then call the hotel directly to see if they’ll match it with an extra perk. It works more often than you’d think.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>1. <a href="https://www.agoda.com/">Agoda</a> - The Aggressive Powerhouse</h2>
<p><img src="/assets/posts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ota/agoda-logo.png" alt="Agoda Logo"></p>
<p>Agoda is like that friend who’s always got a coupon but makes you do a bit of math to use it.</p>
<h3>My 2026 Take: AgodaVIP Diamond</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Why I use it</strong>:
<ol>
<li><strong>AgodaCash</strong>: It’s basically free money. I recently stayed in Bangkok for a week and the AgodaCash I earned covered my entire stay in Seoul the following month.</li>
<li><strong>Stacking</strong>: It plays very nicely with credit card rewards. In 2026, finding a 12% "cashback stack" is still the fastest way to save.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><strong>My gripes</strong>:
<ol>
<li><strong>Pricing Transparency</strong>: Seriously, Agoda? It’s 2026 and we still don’t see the final tax-inclusive price until the last screen? It’s annoying and feels like a cheap trick.</li>
<li><strong>Human Support</strong>: If things go wrong, getting a human on the phone is like trying to find an empty seat on a Saturday night at a popular bar.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>2. <a href="https://www.booking.com/">Booking.com</a> - The "No Nonsense" Choice</h2>
<p><img src="/assets/posts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ota/booking-logo.png" alt="Booking.com Logo"></p>
<p>If Agoda is the coupon friend, Booking.com is the straightforward one who split the bill exactly down the middle.</p>
<h3>My 2026 Take: Genius Level 3 (The Lifetime Goal)</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Why I love it</strong>:
<ol>
<li><strong>L3 Status</strong>: I hit this a few years back, and it's <strong>lifetime</strong>. No annual re-qualification. I get a flat <strong>10-20%</strong> off most places just for existing.</li>
<li><strong>Pay at Property</strong>: I have "commitment issues" with my travel plans. Being able to book a room and not pay a cent until I check-in is a massive relief.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><strong>My "Never Again" Story</strong>:
<ol>
<li><strong>Security Issues</strong>: Since Booking often shares your card info directly with hotels, I had a card skimmed after a stay at a small guest house in Italy. <strong>Learn from my mistake: Use a virtual card (like Revolut) for any "Pay at Hotel" bookings.</strong></li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>3. <a href="https://www.trip.com/">Trip.com</a> - The High-Tech Underdog</h2>
<p><img src="/assets/posts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ota/trip-logo.png" alt="Trip.com Logo"></p>
<p>I spent years ignoring Trip.com, but I regret it. They are now the most tech-forward OTA on the market.</p>
<h3>My 2026 Take: TripGenie is actually useful</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Why I’m impressed</strong>:
<ol>
<li><strong>Seamless Logistics</strong>: If I’m booking a high-speed train in Japan and a hotel nearby, Trip.com handles it all in one app. No more juggling five different confirmation emails.</li>
<li><strong>Predictive Support</strong>: Last year, my flight was delayed due to a storm. Before I even landed, TripGenie messaged me to ask if I wanted to push my hotel check-in to the next day. That's a "wow" moment.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><strong>The downside</strong>:
<ol>
<li>Their coverage in rural US or small European villages still can't touch Booking.com.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>4. <a href="https://www.expedia.com/">Expedia</a> - The Family Workhorse</h2>
<p><img src="/assets/posts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ota/expedia-logo.png" alt="Expedia Logo"></p>
<h3>My 2026 Take: One Key</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Best use case</strong>: Big group trips. When I booked a villa for 10 people in Mexico, the OneKeyCash I earned paid for my solo flight to Tokyo later that year.</li>
<li><strong>The honest truth</strong>: If you’re a solo traveler, the points take forever to accumulate. I usually skip Expedia unless I'm booking a "Flight + Hotel" package.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>🚀 My 2026 Workflow: How I Plan Trips Now</h2>
<p>Stop wasting hours on 20 tabs. Here is my 15-minute workflow:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>AI Chat</strong>: I ask ChatGPT: "I'm heading to Kyoto. Find me a riverside hotel near Gion, Genius L3 eligible, under $250."</li>
<li><strong>TripGenie Validation</strong>: I take that list and drop it into Trip.com to see if the "all-in" price includes the logistics I need.</li>
<li><strong>The Incognito Final</strong>: I do one quick search in an <strong>incognito window</strong> on Google Maps. <strong>Trust me: sometimes the OTA will offer a lower price to a 'new seeker' than to their loyal members.</strong> Don't be afraid to book as a guest if it saves you $50.</li>
</ol>
<hr>
<h2>Common Booking Traps (Learn from my fails)</h2>
<p><img src="/assets/posts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ota/ota-comparison.png" alt="OTA Trap Checklist"></p>
<h3>1. The Tax "Surprise"</h3>
<p>Never compare "sticker prices." Only compare the final number on the payment page. Taxes can add up to 15-20%.</p>
<h3>2. The "Single Room" Trap</h3>
<p>I once booked a Single Room in London thinking "how much smaller can it be?" It was basically a closet. Worse, they tried to charge me an extra 50 quid when they saw I had a large suitcase.
<strong>Lesson learned</strong>: Always check the square footage (or square meters). If it's under 12sqm, you’re basically sleeping in a coffin.</p>
<h3>3. Non-Refundable Regrets</h3>
<p>We all think "I definitely won't cancel." Then life happens. I lost $1,200 on a Maldives booking because of a sudden flu. Now, I always pay the extra $10 for "Free Cancellation."</p>
<hr>
<p>Travel in 2026 is about being smarter, not just richer. Use these tools, choose your ecosystem wisely, and don't let the algorithms win. Any crazy booking stories? Share them in the comments—I'd love to commiserate!</p>

Agoda Official

Booking.com Official

Trip.com Official

Expedia Group

The Ultimate OTA Guide 2026: Booking.com, Agoda, Trip.com & Expedia Compared

<h2>TL;DR Summary</h2>
<p>Taking a dog from Taiwan (a rabies-endemic region) to Japan involves these core steps:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Microchip &#x26; Vaccine</strong>: ISO microchip and two rabies vaccinations.</li>
<li><strong>Antibody Test</strong>: Blood sample sent to Japan RIAS; antibody tether $\ge$ 0.5 IU/ml.</li>
<li><strong>180-day Wait</strong>: Must wait 180 days in Taiwan from the "sampling date" before entering Japan.</li>
<li><strong>Import Notification</strong>: Notify Japan AQS via NACCS 40 days before arrival.</li>
<li><strong>Certification</strong>: Complete APHIA inspection in Taiwan 7 days before departure.</li>
</ol>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>IMPORTANT</strong></p>
<p>The entire process takes at least <strong>7 months</strong>. Early planning is essential.</p>
</blockquote>
<hr>
<p>The precautions for exporting dogs and cats of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Agency (APHIA) clearly state that "exporting dogs and cats should comply with the regulations of the importing country." Because Taiwan is currently a rabies-endemic country, traveling to non-rabies-endemic countries like Japan requires significant preparation and standby time.</p>
<p>For full detailed steps, please refer to the <a href="/static/index.zh-TW-c18f79.md">Traditional Chinese version</a> or <a href="/static/index.zh-CN-20129e.md">Simplified Chinese version</a>.</p>

Traveling to Japan with a dog requires at least 7 months of preparation. This guide detailes the 2026 Japan AQS quarantine process, including rabies antibody tests, 180-day standby, and NACCS reporting.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Agency (APHIA)

Research Institute for Animal Science in Biochemistry and Toxicology (RIAS)

Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) Official Website

NACCS (Animal Quarantine Related Business)

Travel with Pets! Comprehensive Guide to Taiwan to Japan Application Process (2026 Updated)

<h2>What? I Was Charged a Foreign Transaction Fee?</h2>
<p>Quickly check your credit card statement to see if you were charged a foreign transaction fee when booking through Agoda!</p>
<p>Currently, <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yqt6erwr" title="affiliate">Agoda</a> is an overseas company without a receiving bank in Taiwan. Whether you book domestically or internationally, a 1.5% foreign transaction fee is charged. This fee is not collected by Agoda but by the bank or financial institution managing the payments.</p>
<p>According to Agoda’s current foreign transaction fee compensation policy, if the booking was made within the last three months, you can apply for a refund. The refund will be in the form of Agoda Cash, equivalent to the foreign transaction fee charged by the issuing bank during the booking process on Agoda.</p>
<p>Agoda’s Foreign Transaction Fee is Refundable!</p>
<p>In fact, the foreign transaction fee paid when booking through Agoda can be refunded! This article will guide you on how to apply for a foreign transaction fee refund from Agoda. Please note that Agoda only processes orders within the last three months, so don’t hesitate. Check now to see if you have any orders eligible for a refund!</p>
<h2>Steps to Apply for Foreign Transaction Fee Compensation</h2>
<ol>
<li>Click <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yqm3msm6" title="affiliate">Order Inquiry</a> to check the hotel name and order number.</li>
<li>Click Agoda Customer Service Email and start composing an email. The subject line should be “Application for Foreign Transaction Fee Compensation.” The content should include the hotel name, order number, and attach the credit card statement showing the following information: cardholder’s name, bank logo, last four digits of the credit card number, merchant name, transaction date, amount, and currency.</li>
<li>Wait for a response from customer service. Based on experience, you will receive a reply within a few minutes to 48 hours, confirming whether you are eligible for compensation or if additional documents are needed. They will propose a compensation plan using equivalent Agoda Cash and request a reply to confirm.</li>
<li>After confirming via email, you will receive a notification of the equivalent Agoda Cash credit. From the date of issue, you have 6 months to use the Agoda Cash for any applicable bookings on Agoda. Please note that Agoda Cash is not applicable for “Cardless Booking,” “Invoice Issuable,” or “Pay at Hotel” room types.</li>
</ol>
<h2>To Redeem Your Agoda Cash, Follow These Steps:</h2>
<ol>
<li>Log in to the Agoda website or app.</li>
<li>Select the accommodation and room type you want to book, then click “Book.”</li>
<li>On the payment page, the option to use “Agoda Cash” to offset the cost will appear on the right side of the webpage or at the bottom of the app page.</li>
<li>Choose the amount of Agoda Cash you want to use (you can offset the entire or partial cost of the booking).</li>
<li>Complete the payment and confirm the booking.</li>
</ol>
<p>For more information about Agoda Cash, please visit: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yrfkv9qy" title="affiliate">Agoda Official Policy</a>.</p>
<h2>Is Agoda the Biggest Winner?</h2>
<p>In practice, <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yqt6erwr" title="affiliate">Agoda</a> handles foreign transaction fees very quickly. Why can Agoda process such seemingly costly refunds so efficiently? The truth is, Agoda uses “Agoda Cash with limited validity” for compensation, which is quite clever. It effectively wins customer loyalty at a minimal cost. For regular Agoda users, applying for foreign transaction fee compensation for future bookings can be quite beneficial.</p>
<p>In any case, don’t let money slip away. Make it a habit to check your credit card statement each month for any foreign transaction fees charged by Agoda. Apply for a refund immediately, and over time, you can save a significant amount of money!</p>

This article explains how to apply for a refund of Agoda’s foreign transaction fee.

Agoda Official Promotions

Agoda Official Policy

Agoda

How to Apply for a Refund of Agoda Foreign Transaction Fee?

<p>Every day I clock in at work and then stay at home scrolling through my phone. I feel so bored and disheartened." Do you feel the same, waking up every day filled with a sense of discontent?</p>
<p>In recent years, we've started to explore ways to release our mind and spirit. The concept of "rituals" has begun to appear in our lives. We seek spiritual fulfillment, and rituals are an expression of this pursuit, allowing us to live not just for survival, but to truly live life.</p>
<h2>TL;DR Summary</h2>
<p>Why you need daily rituals:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Meaning</strong>: Rituals turn mundane routines into meaningful moments.</li>
<li><strong>Control</strong>: They provide stability and a sense of control in chaotic times.</li>
<li><strong>Action</strong>: Start small (e.g., morning coffee, work-mode outfit) to build a positive cycle.</li>
</ol>
<h2>What is a Sense of Ritual?</h2>
<p>It means giving a special meaning to something, believing that this sense of ritual brings spiritual satisfaction.</p>
<p>There are many types of rituals, such as religious ceremonies that bring peace by believing in the blessings they offer. The sense of unity created by rituals makes people more committed and convinced of their importance.</p>
<p>For example, athletes forming a huddle to shout encouragement before a game, creating a sense of unity and confidence to face their opponents. Different rituals create different senses of ritual, such as unity, confidence, etc.</p>
<p>In essence, the sense of ritual comes from the inner strength brought by rituals, making people feel unique and sacred. We can apply this concept to daily life to face our lives with a more serious attitude, feeling the love and recognition of our spiritual values, and thus looking forward to a more exciting life.</p>
<h2>Creating a Sense of Ritual in Daily Life</h2>
<p>Understanding the importance of a sense of ritual, we can apply it to our daily lives with common examples like bedtime prayers, morning coffee, or scented candles.</p>
<p>A sense of ritual adds anticipation and special meaning to an activity. Even if removed, it doesn’t affect daily routines. But like adding seasoning to life, the sense of ritual makes you fall in love with living.</p>
<h3>Taking Life Seriously, Even When Alone</h3>
<p>Due to the pandemic, many people started working from home. Some might think they don't need to dress formally as they would at the office, leading to decreased work efficiency. Try adjusting small details and adding a sense of ritual to your life, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Wearing formal clothes even for remote work</li>
<li>Separating rest areas from workspaces, avoiding using the computer in bed or resting in the work area</li>
</ul>
<p>After practicing for a while, you'll notice your body naturally adjusting to high efficiency during work and fully relaxing during breaks, creating a positive cycle.</p>
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/3OGOTJV.jpg" alt="Wearing formal clothes even for remote work"></p>
<h3>Plan Your Own Special Anniversaries</h3>
<p>There are many common anniversaries like Valentine’s Day or wedding anniversaries. Adding your own special days can bring a different feeling.</p>
<p>For example, designate every Friday as a relaxation day. After a busy workweek, watch a movie you love on Friday night, immersing yourself in it and releasing the week’s accumulated stress.</p>
<p>These life rules will greatly improve your life and work quality. These processes don't require explanations to others but show a responsible attitude toward your own life.</p>
<p><strong>Respect your life, and life will give you the same value in return.</strong></p>
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/RiGo0v1.jpg" alt="Adding your own special days can bring a different feeling."></p>
<h2>The Positive Cycle of a Sense of Ritual</h2>
<ol>
<li>Start by examining your life</li>
<li>Create your own rituals</li>
<li>Feel a sense of accomplishment after completing tasks</li>
<li>Experience joy and recognition from your rituals</li>
<li>Gain stability and love from the effects of rituals</li>
<li>Reinforce your life with these benefits</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>A sense of ritual is like a belief. The process is similar to many religious practices. Making rituals a belief in life will make you love your life even more!</strong></p>
<h2>Four Key Points to Incorporate a Sense of Ritual into Life</h2>
<p><strong>1. Organize your life before adding rituals</strong>
Everyone has their own pace of life. You need to identify your habits and plan your time to include rituals. Understanding your schedule helps you use and feel the benefits of rituals.</p>
<p><strong>2. Be consistent</strong>
Research shows that it takes about 21 days to form a habit. Rituals are the same. Maintain them over time to integrate rituals into your life and create a positive cycle.</p>
<p><strong>3. Start with simple, easy-to-implement rituals</strong>
Don’t complicate rituals at the beginning. They could be a few minutes or a small action. Overcomplicating them may create additional stress.</p>
<p><strong>4. The sense of ritual comes from internal recognition</strong>
Everyone needs different rituals. Find what resonates with you. For example, many start their day with a cup of coffee, but this might not work for non-coffee drinkers. If life is like a dish, rituals are the seasoning—customize them to your taste.</p>
<p><strong>Don't overlook the details in life. Living a life with a sense of ritual proves that you haven't given up on life. Start organizing your life and create your unique rituals!</strong></p>

The article explores the importance of having a sense of ritual in daily life, detailing how rituals can enhance quality of life and personal fulfillment. It offers practical techniques to help readers create meaningful habits.

Transform Your Life with Daily Rituals: Learn to Create Meaningful Practices

<p>You’ve probably heard of the Law of Attraction, popularized by Rhonda Byrne’s book <em>The Secret</em>. This book sold millions of copies within months of its release and has been translated into over 50 languages, becoming a classic on the topic. The author explains that our thoughts emit a frequency that attracts similar frequencies. Just like a magnet, we attract what we think about into our lives. This is the Law of Attraction.</p>
<h2>TL;DR Summary</h2>
<p>The Law of Attraction is about aligning your mindset with your goals:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Clarify</strong>: Use positive affirmations to state exactly what you want.</li>
<li><strong>Visualize</strong>: Create vision boards and feel the joy of achieving your goals.</li>
<li><strong>Act</strong>: Combine positive thinking with concrete actions; opportunity favors the prepared.</li>
</ol>
<p>But did you know that practicing the Law of Attraction requires some techniques to make your desires come true more easily? Today, we'll share three steps to effectively harness the Law of Attraction. If you have new goals or dreams this year, let’s bravely place our orders with the universe together!</p>
<h2>Step 1: Positive Thinking + Affirmative Statements for Clear Desires</h2>
<p>As mentioned in <em>The Secret</em>, "To change your circumstances, you must first change your thoughts." When making a wish, be sure to use positive thinking and affirmative statements to express your clear desires. For example, when changing to a new job and hoping to meet good colleagues or supervisors, your thoughts and wishes should be: "I believe I will meet great teammates!" (affirming the positive) instead of "I hope I don’t meet bad coworkers!" (avoiding negative thoughts). Or, if you want to save money to buy a house, your wish should be: "I will definitely buy this house by the age of XX" (affirming self-achievement) instead of "It might take a long time for my savings to buy this house" (expressing uncertainty). Remember to avoid using negative or doubtful statements. Dare to imagine and affirm that it will happen; this increases the chance of your wish coming true. Moreover, the clearer your wish, the easier it is to achieve. For instance, "I want to get richer" versus "I want to increase my income by $5,000 every month." The latter is more likely to be achieved!</p>
<h2>Step 2: Visualize Your Desires and Anticipate the Joy of Realization</h2>
<p>After making a wish, write down or print your desire and place it somewhere visible in your daily life (setting it as your phone or computer wallpaper is also a good method). This process is called visualization. Visualization helps transform what you think into visible reality. When you see it often, you will be more confident that you are moving towards your dream.</p>
<p>Additionally, imagine the joy and excitement you will feel when your wish is realized! For example, if you wish to buy a house by the age of XX, picture yourself living in that ideal home with a beautiful forest view outside and a clean, comfortable interior. The satisfaction of living in your dream home will make you feel happy. Don’t forget, your emotions generate frequencies for the universe, and good feelings naturally attract good frequencies to you. Always take a moment to feel the happiness in your heart.</p>
<h2>Step 3: Focus on Your Desires + Continuous Effort, and Wait for Your Wish to Come True</h2>
<p>The Law of Attraction is not just about whimsical thinking but a form of self-enhancement. Besides making a wish, you must focus on your goals and desires and make corresponding efforts. The process is more important than the result. For example, if you wish to find an ideal partner, you must first take the step to meet new people and write down the qualities you seek in a partner. After taking the first step, people with similar qualities will gradually come closer to you, and your wish will slowly come true!</p>
<h2>The Law of Attraction Happened to Me! A Real-Life Example Shared by a Friend:</h2>
<p>In college, my psychology professor asked the class to write down their ideal job or life state five years after graduation. Studying administrative sciences and having a passion for music, I constantly thought about how I excelled in one field and loved the other. I wrote that I hoped to work in public service after graduation and pursue music-related activities on weekends.</p>
<p>As I wrote, I smiled and imagined such a wonderful life. It was just perfect! In my second year after graduation, I focused on civil service exams and tutoring. One day, a friend told me, "I saw a public department offering a contract position on a website. You should apply. The job content seems related to your major, and you might have a chance!"</p>
<p>While preparing for exams, I decided to give it a try. I successfully got the position and started a year of public service work. However, this experience made me realize that I didn’t enjoy the work mode in the public sector and felt a bit unhappy. My thoughts started drifting back to my passion for music.</p>
<p>After the contract ended, I decided to switch to a different field and began looking for a new job online. About four months later, something magical happened! One day, a music company I had always dreamed of working for posted a job opening. It was an administrative position matching my work experience, and I immediately applied. Eventually, I got the job and entered my dream music company, combining my administrative skills with my passion. Interestingly, I realized that I joined this company exactly five years after graduation, just as if the universe had planned it all!</p>
<h2>The Fascination of the Law of Attraction</h2>
<p>In the book <em>The Alchemist</em>, it is mentioned, "When you truly desire something, the whole universe will conspire to help you achieve it." The most amazing aspect of the Law of Attraction is that when you have negative thoughts, unfortunate things often happen. But when you sincerely desire something and believe from the bottom of your heart that you will have it, putting in the effort to achieve it, you will ultimately get what you want. If you have ever failed in making a wish, ask yourself if your mindset was firm or if you didn't truly believe in it. Things you don’t believe in will never come true. "The outcome is often determined by your mindset and thoughts." By maintaining a positive and proactive attitude, you can effectively use the Law of Attraction, successfully place orders with the universe, and make your desires come true one by one! Let's place orders with the universe in the new year and feel the joy of making our wishes come true!</p>

This article introduces the Law of Attraction and three secrets to harnessing it.

3 Secrets of the Law of Attraction: Attract What You Love!

<p>Meditation is a powerful practice that can bring calm, clarity, and balance to your life. Whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, understanding the best practices and utilizing the right resources is crucial. In this article, we will explore the benefits of meditation, offer practical tips for getting started, and recommend resources to help you along your journey.</p>
<h2>What Is Meditation? You Might Need It Too!</h2>
<p>In this age of information overload, studies estimate that modern people need to receive and process up to 36,000 GB of information daily. This information overload impacts our brains and lives, making it hard to quiet our minds, even before bed, like countless open browser tabs that won’t close. Over time, this leads to life stress, poor sleep quality, anxiety, difficulty concentrating at work, and other negative emotions that indirectly affect our physical and mental health and overall quality of life.</p>
<p>If you have experienced these symptoms, why not try meditation? Rediscover the happiness of inner peace!</p>
<h2>The Benefits of Meditation, Even Endorsed by Celebrities</h2>
<p>Scientific research has found that long-term meditation can increase the thickness of the prefrontal cortex and the right anterior brain cortex, areas that control attention and perception, making the brain more agile and inspired. It also strengthens self-awareness, relieves stress, improves resilience and memory, and maintains inner peace.</p>
<p>NBA star LeBron James is a meditation enthusiast. About meditation, James said, “It was a bit strange at first because it’s a whole new practice that requires detachment, but meditation really makes me feel more comfortable, mentally and energetically.” Microsoft founder Bill Gates and talk show host Oprah Winfrey are also practitioners of meditation. Google even includes “meditation” as an official course for employees. Curious about the power of meditation yet?</p>
<p>Follow the five guidelines below and start meditating together!</p>
<h2>Best Practice for Beginners</h2>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Location: Find a quiet, undisturbed place where you feel comfortable, such as a bed, sofa, or open grass. Turn off all distractions like TV and phone notifications. Use a cushion or chair for support.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Posture: Sit in a chair or cross-legged. Beginners should start with these positions, keeping their back straight without leaning on anything. Rest hands on your thighs and close your eyes.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Duration: Start with 5 minutes per session, gradually increasing to 20 minutes. Set a timer to focus on your breath without worrying about time.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Start - Focus on Breathing: Practice “observational meditation” by focusing on your breath. Take deep breaths through your nose and exhale slowly 3-4 times, then continue naturally. Observe your breathing and abdominal movements without judgment.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Best Time for Meditation: Meditate before work or before bed. Morning meditation enhances focus and efficiency, while evening meditation clears your mind for better sleep. Consistency at the same time daily helps build the habit.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<h2>What Makes a Successful Meditation Session?</h2>
<p>Beginners often ask, “What counts as a successful meditation session?”</p>
<p>As a beginner, your mind will inevitably be filled with various thoughts during meditation, such as: “Why hasn’t the time passed yet?”, “What should I eat later?”, or “Feeling anxious about unfinished work from the day…” Do not feel frustrated or discouraged—this is normal.</p>
<p>When these thoughts arise, imagine yourself as an observer standing by a window, watching the sky. The thoughts are like clouds passing by your window. You don’t need to push them away; just watch them quietly until they drift away.</p>
<p>In the same way, during meditation, simply “observe and become aware” of the thoughts that arise. “Observe” the arrival of thoughts without applying any emotion or pressure to suppress them. When you “become aware” of your distraction, gently bring your attention back to your breath and focus on the changes in your breathing. The chaotic thoughts will naturally leave your mind, and inner peace will return.</p>
<p>Once you achieve this, congratulations! You have completed a successful meditation session!</p>
<h2>How Long Should You Meditate to See Changes?</h2>
<p>Everyone’s meditation practice varies, and the time to see changes may differ slightly.
For example, as the author, I often feel tense and anxious due to work. I hoped to improve my anxiety and poor sleep through meditation practice. Driven by curiosity, I initially set practice times of 5-10 minutes per session, 3-4 times a week, viewing meditation as a relaxed, pressure-free practice.</p>
<p>Here are the changes observed after practicing meditation for about 3-4 months:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>After 1 month of practice: On nights I meditated before bed, I seemed to fall asleep faster and more deeply, with fewer dreams.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>After 2 months of practice: I was able to concentrate better during meditation, with fewer distracting thoughts, and felt a warm flow and peace in my heart afterward.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>After 3 months of practice: Although I still occasionally felt anxious at work, I could now quickly let go of my anxiety and restore inner peace, allowing me to focus more calmly and objectively on my tasks.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Even now, having practiced meditation for about a year, I continue to meditate regularly, especially during tough times or high stress. Meditation gives me more confidence to face current situations or challenges, and I believe “the changes brought by meditation occur at every practice moment, and continuous practice accumulates this energy in the body.”</p>
<p>Therefore, regardless of the duration of each practice, as long as you continue and maintain the habit of meditation, you will undoubtedly experience its unique benefits firsthand.</p>
<h2>Recommended Resources</h2>
<p>Meditation is a transformative practice that can improve various aspects of your life. By starting small, being consistent, and using recommended resources, you can build a fulfilling meditation practice. Whether you choose to use apps, read books, or take online courses, the key is to find what works best for you and stay committed to your journey.</p>
<h3>Books</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Mindfulness-Introduction-Practice-Meditation/dp/0807012394">The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wherever-You-There-Are-Mindfulness/dp/1401307787">Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life》</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Online Courses</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ytvfwswa" title="affiliate">Heartfulness Meditation- Evolution of Consciousness w/ Daaji</a></li>
<li><a href="http://tinyurl.com/yrtu2hbt" title="affiliate">Meditation Practitioner / Teacher Certification (ACCREDITED)</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>APP</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.headspace.com/">Headspace</a>: Offers various guided meditations and mindfulness exercises.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Websites</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.mindful.org/">Mindful</a>: Provides a wealth of articles and resources on meditation.</li>
<li><a href="https://insighttimer.com/">Insight Timer</a>: Offers free guided meditations and mindfulness courses.</li>
</ul>

The article introduces the basics of meditation, highlighting its benefits for stress reduction, mental health, and inner peace. It offers practical tips and techniques for beginners to easily start their meditation journey. 

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