Be Still and Know

Meditation seems to be the key to achieving a state of joy. I don't mean monk like meditation where you meditate all day - don't worry. But, just 15-30 minutes a day make a world of difference in my mood, how my day goes, and my state of BEing. Interestingly enough though, I often say I don't have time to meditate. What is that all about? I am thinking that it is my resistance to feeling worthy to be happy, to be thin, to be successful. Here are some steps on how to start meditating:

Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. There are many different meditation methods.
At the core of meditation is the goal to focus and eventually quiet your mind. As you progress, you will find that you can meditate anywhere and at any time, accessing an inner calm no matter what's going on around you. You will also find that you can better control your reactions to things as you become increasingly aware of your thoughts (letting go of anger, for example). But first, you have to learn to tame your mind.

1. Sit with a straight back. Don’t try to meditate lying down because you are likely to fall asleep. I do lie down sometimes though. Meditation brings relaxation and peace but at the same time this is a dynamic peace. Meditation is quite different than the relaxation of sleep. When we really meditate, we are fully alert and conscious. Our sense of awareness is heightened. Afterwards you’ll have a positive feeling for the world and a renewed sense of dynamism.
2. Don’t eat before meditating. After a heavy meal your body will be lethargic with digestion.
3. It is not necessary to mediate in the lotus posture. It is fine to meditate in a chair, as long as the back is straight.
4. It is helpful to take a shower before meditating.
5. Burning incense and having a candle are not necessary, but they can add a little extra inspiration.
6. It is good to meditate early in the morning. It is said the best time is 3am, although, I feel it is more important to be awake and not sleepy, I try to meditate at 6.30am.

So, if you aren't already meditating - try it. You just might like it!