Learning meditation should be easy and fun. How do I meditate? is a very common question but it’s important to realize that there are no right or wrong ways – whatever feels good for you is OK. There are many places you can learn to meditate, for example, you may learn in a candle-lit room, using a meditation chair and/or candles, incense, music or guided meditation CDs or you may first learn meditation in a yoga class at your local gym where there may be lots of people lying on the floor around you and a few different meditation aids to try. Or you may prefer your own space and silence. Wherever and however you meditate is good! To answer the question how to learn meditation? it will help to address some of the more common comments people make when they first ask for meditation instructions:

- What is meditation? – It is the act of quieting the mind and focusing inward. It is a calm but alert state of mind when the body is relaxed and the mind is focused. It is an excellent way of taking time out and allowing yourself to tune into and appreciate the moment, wherever you happen to be.

- How can I fit a regular meditation session into my day – I’m already too busy and don’t have any spare time - You will find that once you make meditation a regular part of your day, you look forward to it so much that it won’t be a chore to find the time. It will become a priority for you. Until you reach this point, you must be disciplined to make time, for example by waking up 20 minutes earlier or going to sleep 20 minutes later. Make a commitment to yourself to do this for 30 days and you will have developed a new habit that will serve you well for the rest of your life. If you make meditating a habit, it will no longer feel like something extra that you have to do .

- How do I meditate? I’ve tried but I just can’t quiet my mind and my thoughts - This happens to everyone and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed . Eventually, with perseverance and practice, you ll find it easier to just notice the thought as it occurs, then to let it go. The hardest part about learning to meditate is learning how to be still and it takes a lot of effort to sit quietly or lie quietly and let your mind and body relax. Many people find that using a guided meditation audio can help focus the mind.

- Whenever I try to meditate, I always end up falling asleep – Feeling sleepy is very common when you first start learning to meditate. It may be the one of the few times you’ve truly let yourself relax. Just know that you re not doing anything wrong by sleeping and this is usually only temporary. Sleeping is a way your body finds to avoid the discipline of meditation but if you refuse to judge this as a failure, eventually the pattern will cease.

- Why meditate? – Although it can be difficult for anyone to really understand the benefits of meditation without first giving it a try, the fact is that it can take you to a new level of consciousness. The benefits of meditation have an effect on everything you do. It will have a positive effect on your energy levels, your health, your alertness and efficiency. Being relaxed and aware is the mental equivalent of being fit and healthy. People who meditate may also do so to find inner peace and harmony and to become more self-aware.

- I’m not supple enough to sit cross-legged in the correct meditation position – You can mediate in any position – lying down, sitting, standing or walking! Some people find a meditation bench, chair, cushion or pillow very helpful but they are by no means essential. The actual meditation position we take is not as important as how we hold ourselves in that position – you should feel comfortable, balanced and open (so that you can breathe easily).

- When is the best time? – The answer to this question is Anytime ! Meditate whenever you can. Early morning is often preferred but whenever works for you is just fine.

- How often should I meditate? – Once you’ve formed the habit, you ll probably want to have a formal session at least once a day. But there are always opportunities for informal sessions throughout your day also. The benefits come from regular use but everyone is different. For example, if you’re feeling particularly stressed out, you may find that meditating twice daily will restore composure and reduce irritability. Around 20 minutes is usually recommended for each formal session. But a few minutes here and there is better than nothing at all and just a few minutes can have a profound effect if the practice of meditation is regular.

- Do I need any special meditation aids? – You don’t need to buy any elaborate equipment. Most people start by using what they already have, for example a chair or floor cushion. However, it is worth reviewing information on special mediation chairs, mediation benches or mediation pillows and cushions. Meditation timers or a meditation clock are also popular, but by no means essential. There are also some excellent guided meditation systems around now which can really help you to relax and focus. If you can, experiment with as many different kinds of these meditation aids as possible so that you can decide what feels best for you.

- I don’t think meditation works for me. I’ve tried it a few times and it didn t make any difference. – Meditation is a process. Commit to regular practice and you WILL notice the difference!

To summarize, learning to meditate is something you will never regret and it could well prove to be the very best thing you can possibly do for yourself. Try it and see!

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