Meditation & Yoga

It is a practice of letting your mind rest, by clearing your thoughts. When you discover a thought has invaded your mind during this resting period, you release it, you don't dwell on it.

There are many methods to "clear" your mind -- one of the most common techniques is to focus on your breath, as you breathe in and out -- slow down your breath, and visualize the path of molecules of oxygen and other life giving ingredients that go through your nose and into your lungs. You can also count your breathes. Another technique is to repeat a mantra (usually assigned to you by a teacher). Another technique is guided meditation, for example, "loving kindness", to say a prayer of love for each family member, each friend and each enemy with each breath.

In my opinion -- it is best to do meditation during all idle moments -- for e.g. waiting in line at the grocery checkout, waiting for a bus or a plane -- even (carefully) at a red light. It is recommended that you maintain an alert yet confortable resting position, and try not to get distracted by feelings of impatience and restessness.

If you are new to this -- don't set yourself lofty goals of meditating for an hour or even two hours -- keep it simple -- 10, 15 minutes -- set a kitchen timer so you aren't tempted to check the time.