How to Meditate

Meditation is simpler than most people think. Make sure you’re at place where you can relax into this process, set a timer, and give it a shot:

Take a seat

1

Find place to sit and relax that feels calm and quiet to you.

Set a time limit

2

If you’re just beginning, it can help to choose a short time, such as five or 10 minutes.

Notice your body

3

You can sit on a surface with your feet on the floor, you can sit loosely cross-legged, you can kneel—all are fine. Just make sure you are stable and in a position you can stay in for a while.

Feel your breath

4

Follow the sensation of your breath as it goes in and as it goes out.

Notice when your mind has wandered

5

Inevitably, your attention will leave the breath and wander to other places. When you get around to noticing that your mind has wandered—in a few seconds, a minute, five minutes—simply return your attention to the breath.

Be kind to your wandering mind

6

Don’t judge yourself or obsess over the content of the thoughts you find yourself lost in. Just come back.

Close with kindness

7

When you’re ready, gently lift your gaze (if your eyes are closed, open them). Take a moment and notice any sounds in the environment. Notice how your body feels right now. Notice your thoughts and emotions.

Here are five reasons to meditate:

1. Understanding your pain 2. Lower your stress 3. Connect better 4. Improve focus 5. Reduce brain chatter