If you are interested in beginning to mediation, you may wish to first try "speed meditation" to get used to the techniques and practices. Since this only takes 15 to 20 minutes every day, you'll find it very easy to begin the process, even if you find little time in your schedule for relaxing activities. Speed meditation has many advantages including:
* Healing from physical pain
* Unlocking creativity
* Developing religious beliefs
* Feeling a sense of serenity
* Increasing clarity of the world, mentally and with your senses
You may wish to consult an expert or take a class to begin the lifelong process of meditation, but if this does not fit within your busy schedule, don't be afraid to start meditation on your own with the aid of teaching materials.
Release yourself from expectations--you will find meditation challenging at first and may not see results for a period of time. However, after a few weeks of regular meditation, you should feel calmer and happier with life overall. The first step to learning to meditation, therefore, is setting aside time every day for the practice, even if it is a very short time. Many people prefer meditation at the start of the day or directly before bedtime.
Find a comfortable place for meditation. You should be relaxed, but avoid meditating in bed or lying down if you are tired, the temptation to drop off to sleep can be overwhelming! Also be sure to take care of your body before meditation. It is unproductive to meditate when you are hungry, cold/hot, sexually aroused, or in need of using the restroom, as these things will simply distract you from your goal.
Eliminate other distractions as well--block outside noise from your meditation space by closing the windows, turning off your pager and cell phone, and asking your family for a few minutes alone. Distractions are bound to occur, but begin your session with as few as possible.
To bring your meditation to a close, do not use startling alarms or other sounds. Instead, base your meditation time on your inner feelings. When you feel as though your time is up, open your eyes and check the clock. You may wish to continue, but if you feel as though you have all the inner peace you can get for one day, move on with your life--do not force yourself to meditate.
If you're on a schedule and worried about being late for your next appointment, you can use a simple or relaxing sound to break you from your meditation on time. For example, place a radio alarm under a pillow or have a family member softly knock on the door after a certain period of time.
Meditation is a practice that anyone, no matter how young or old, can enjoy. Whether you are meditating for religious reasons or simply want to help release some stress from you life, meditation is a practice you can easily learn with or without a teacher. The trick is to fit it in around your schedule and you'll find that it won't take up time during your day that you need for other things.
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