When I talk to people about meditation, I often hear similar responses. Some say, “I would if I had more time,” or, “I've tried it, but I don't think I'm doing it right.” I think this comes from the expectation that sitting for a short while, will instantly turn us into a serene yogi - someone who feels, and seems to be, at one with everything.
Let me tell you, the first thing you need to do, is drop these expectations. They will only get in your way. I am partial to a very simple meditative practice, and what it comes down to is this, “just sitting, nothing special.”
To start a practice like this, simply set aside some time each day, (5-15 minutes), to just sit, and breathe. Nothing else. Practicing “non-doing” in this way, you're actually doing quite a lot. If you can sit longer, great! Just keep up daily practice. Think of it like going to the gym. A simple practice like this is all that's needed to trigger the health benefits of relaxation. It serves as a great foundation, should you choose to pursue more advanced meditation practices. Do yourself a favor, and try this for a week!
If you really like this meditation I suggest the book, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki. It's taken straight from those pages and really highlights the benefits of this practice.
Comments