How to Meditate: A Simple Technique

What is meditation? Webster defines it as “1 : a discourse intended to express its author's reflections or to guide others in contemplation,” and “2 : the act or process of meditating.”

There are hundreds of techniques that could be labeled meditation. Some have their roots in religions, while others are simple uses of sounds, sights or movements. Many view  meditation as a way to quiet the mind, and in the end, to relax and de-stress.

Regardless of your personal view of meditation, or your spiritual beliefs, the act of quieting the mind with regular meditation can result in amazing physical and emotional benefits. This has been scientifically proven, and I have personally reaped the rewards of a regular meditation practice over the years.

Many of my friends and family think they cannot meditate. They think their minds are too active, or they cannot sit still for long. They simply don’t see the purpose, or think they are “doing it wrong” and give up. They look at meditation as a means to an end, rather than just a simple way of “being” instead of “doing.”

The simple meditation process I am about to describe does not have a “right or wrong” associated with it. There is no goal or expected result, other than to introduce you to a simple way of observing your thoughts and being with yourself for a short period of time. This is the best way to start a meditation practice.

To prepare, please keep the following in mind:

1.There is no pressure or expectation to achieve a specific result.

2.The only goal of this practice is to sit and observe thoughts.

3. If your mind wanders, that is fine. Your thoughts are like a river, and damming the river only creates more thoughts. Don’t struggle.

4. When you sit, you will eventually be aware of that part of yourself that is not your body or your thoughts; this is the silent observer. Try to nurture that part of your existence during this exercise.