What are some good ways to begin meditation?

Question

What are some good ways to begin meditation?

Answer 1

There are many ways to meditate as evidenced by the number of books on the subject. The way I began, without even realizing it, was by watching a leaf on a cottonwood tree. I was nervous about a personal problem that I was trying to deal with. And I went to a park and sat in my car watching this cottonwood tree while my mind was racing. Then I began to watch the leaves, then I chose one leaf and continued to watch it as it danced and moved around in the wind. Pretty soon I was just focused on that leaf and how facinating it was moving and waving the way that it did. I was not thinking of my situation at all and suddenly,  after - I don't know- say ten or fifteen minutes- I suddenly knew what to do. And it was so simple. Later I found out that that was "meditating."  I had thought that I needed to sit properly, hold my hands a certain way, breathe the right way and so on. Since then I have learned to do all that, but it isn't necessary. You can meditate anywhere, any time. For any length of time. You can watch a butterfly and meditate. You can watch a candle flame. You can close your eyes and visualize any pleasant place you can think of and just BE there. Read the books and then decide for yourself which works best for you. For everyone  "the best way" is different- it is between you and your higher self. You'll know.

Answer 2

Meditation is amazing, and can have quite "mind-blowing" benefits to say the least.  For a beginner, and for every level of practice, a good technique is to sit in a silent space, and focus on your breathing.  To do this, find a room where you can be alone and focus inward.  Sit on the ground with your spine stretching straight up toward the ceiling.  Imagine that there is a hook at the crown of your head, that is continuously lengthening and pulling your spine straight up.  Closing your eyes might help keep your concentrate inward, but is not necessary.  Fill your lungs with deep breaths that reach all the way down to your stomach, don't just breathe into your chest.  Follow each breath fully, and with each one take the opportunity to look inside yourself.  Clear your mind of the daily clutter that comes and goes.  When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath.  Remain in the moment, for the past has already happened, and the future is not for you to anticipate.  If you feel any sensations, or hear any noises in the background, simply experience it, but continue to bring your awareness to your breath.  Sometimes, using a little alarm clock helps.  Before beginning your meditation practice, you can set the timer for 15 or 20 minutes, or what ever your desired time may be.  This helps when trying to fit meditation into a busy schedule.  I hope this has helped, and I hope you experience a wonderful meditational practice!

Answer 3

I like passage meditation, which I stumbled onto when I was 21 (and continued for more than 25 years). http://www.easwaran.org concisely explains the benefits, tells how to get started and provides free excerpts to memorize and use. If you're drawn to the Prayer of St. Francis (I was since childhood), I think you'll like the method.