Meditation is a daily practice that will help you build the power of your mind. You can use this power in various ways. Many people practice daily meditation in order to decrease stress and find relaxation. Meditation is also a vehicle for helping yourself head-off obstacles before they arise and strengthen your internal resources to be able to handle whatever daily challenges may come your way.

Here is how you do it. Find a comfortable spot in which to sit quietly for 10-20 minutes. You may wish to sit on a pillow on the floor, or you may find a chair more comfortable. Rest your hands on your lap. Straighten your back if that feels like something you can do without too much strain or discomfort. Close your eyes or gaze at the floor a few feet in front of you. You want to make yourself comfortable, without distractions, for the next 10-20 minutes, so turn off any noise, close doors, limit distractions. Is the temperature too warm or too cold? Close or open windows, adjust heat or air conditioning as necessary. You may wish to set a timer for 10-20 minutes, or not.

Now that you have limited distractions and made yourself as comfortable as possible in your meditation spot… Breathe. Gently inhale. Feel the breath caress your nostrils as it moves into them. Then exhale. Feel the breath as it leaves your nostrils. Perhaps you would like to begin by counting eight counts for your inhale and eight counts for your exhale. If this feels like too much, try five or six counts.

You may notice you have thoughts going through your mind. Just let them pass like a cloud in the sky or like a leaf drifting on a stream. You may want to say to yourself, “Oh, there’s a thought,” and move on, without becoming attached to it.

Soon, you may find yourself in a very relaxed yet alert state. The more you do this daily practice over time, the more benefits you will come to know. If done daily, you will grow in inner peace and confidence, like a beautiful oak tree that is grounded firmly by its root foundation. You will come to know your own core. You are a light. Your inner beauty will shine outward, and you will feel deeply connected to yourself and your purpose. This is my hope for you.