The purpose of meditation is to relax and calm the mind and relax the body. Choose a quiet time when you would not be disturbed at all, at least for 5 to 10 minutes. The idea behind keeping the time a little less, in the beginning, is to let you get comfortable with the principles of meditation- silence and concentration. The mind is so used to wandering and flitting about, that getting it to remain still needs some practice. While it is possible to meditate while standing or walking, to begin with sit in a comfortable posture, keeping your eyes partially closed, so as to avoid getting distracted by your surroundings. If you are more comfortable keeping your eyes open, then try and focus on a single point in front of you, because if you keep looking around, you wouldn’t be able to calm the mind. Don’t be too conscious about your posture. Choose a place where you would feel relaxed and undisturbed. If you can, choose to meditate outdoors but indoors, too is good as long as the place is free of clutter. Try to make your meditation a ritual by lighting a candle, burning some incense, playing some soft, or soothing music and then begin.
Take in a deep breathe, fill your lungs with fresh, pure air and observe the passage of air through your body. Then exhale softly and again, focus on the passage of air leaving your lungs. You may choose a sound to focus on or simply, concentrate on the passage of your breath or play some music to focus on. Continue this for 5-10 minutes, whatever is comfortable for you, and at the end of the session, rub your palms together and place them lightly on your eyes. Open your eyes and smile gently as you get ready to face the world around you. Try and meditate at least once a day to begin with and gradually, you could meditate even twice and experience greater benefits.
