One of the first choices in meditation is whether to use guidance—a voice walking you through the practice—or to sit in silence on your own.
Both have value. Neither is superior. But one might be better for you right now.
What Is Guided Meditation?
Guided meditation means listening to a voice that leads you through the practice. The guide might:
- Tell you where to place your attention
- Offer visualisations or mental imagery
- Walk you through body scans or relaxation
- Provide reminders when you’ve likely drifted
- Set the pace and structure of the session
Apps like Headspace, Calm, and InTheMoment primarily offer guided meditation.
What Is Unguided (Silent) Meditation?
Unguided meditation means sitting in silence—or with ambient sound—and directing your own attention. You might use a technique (breath focus, mantra, open awareness), but there’s no voice telling you what to do.
Traditional meditation in temples and retreat centres is typically unguided. Many experienced meditators prefer silence.
Comparing the Two
| Aspect | Guided | Unguided |
|---|---|---|
| Learning curve | Easier for beginners | Steeper without instruction |
| Structure | Provided for you | You create your own |
| Variety | Different styles, voices, lengths | Same technique, self-directed |
| Focus | Easier with prompts | Requires more self-discipline |
| Depth | Can feel limited by guidance | Unlimited exploration |
| Convenience | Need audio/app | Just you and a timer |
| Personalisation | Fixed scripts (unless AI) | Infinitely personal |
When Guided Works Best
You’re new to meditation
When you don’t know what to do, having someone tell you is genuinely helpful. Guided meditation teaches the practice while you practice.
You’re stressed or overwhelmed
When your mind is racing, following a voice is easier than generating your own focus. The guidance gives your attention something to hold.
You want variety
Different guides, different techniques, different session lengths. Guided meditation offers exploration.
You’re struggling with consistency
The structure of pressing play and following along reduces friction. You don’t have to decide what to do—just listen.
You’re targeting something specific
Guided meditations for sleep, anxiety, focus, or pain can be precisely designed for those purposes.
When Unguided Works Best
You’re experienced
Once you know the technique, guidance can feel like training wheels. Silence lets you go deeper.
You want to train self-directed attention
Ultimately, real-world mindfulness is unguided. Your boss doesn’t provide a calming voiceover during meetings. Unguided practice builds independent skill.
You crave silence
If you spend all day bombarded by audio—podcasts, meetings, calls—the last thing you want is another voice. Silence can be a relief.
You want longer sits
Most guided meditations are 10-30 minutes. If you want to sit for 45 minutes or an hour, silence is more practical.
You’re developing your own relationship with practice
Unguided meditation is more personal. You discover your own rhythm, your own challenges, your own insights—without someone else’s framework.
The Hybrid Approach
You don’t have to choose one forever:
- Learn with guidance, deepen in silence. Use guided meditation until you’re comfortable with techniques, then gradually add unguided sits.
- Mix by session. Guided when you’re struggling, unguided when you feel stable.
- Mix within session. Some apps offer partial guidance—instruction at the beginning, then bells and silence in the middle.
What InTheMoment Offers
InTheMoment primarily offers guided meditation, but with a key difference: the guidance is personalised.
Traditional guided meditations are fixed scripts. Everyone hears the same words. AI-generated sessions adapt:
- The guidance responds to what you’re actually dealing with
- The pacing adjusts to your available time
- The techniques are selected based on your situation
- Even the style adapts to your preferences
We also offer lesson playlists that teach meditation progressively—with guidance designed to eventually help you sit independently.
For experienced practitioners: You can ask for minimal guidance—just an opening, then space, then a closing.
For complete beginners: You get detailed guidance that teaches the practice as you go.
Not sure which approach fits you? Try a session with InTheMoment—just tell the AI your experience level and what you’re looking for.
Last updated: November 2025