by Brandy Stinnett

Created on: January 10, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

It used to be the only people talking about meditation were people passionate about the new age. Now it seems everyone is doing it. Or at least they are trying. One common complaint is that people just don't know how. Or maybe they are trying to, but aren't sure if they have it right.

Don't fret. Meditation is easier to manage than you may think. It's not a matter of making your mind a total blank or thinking to hard about a particular object. The main objective is calming the mind. Let's explore some of the simpler methods to achieve meditation.

The most basic method is observing your breath. Just close your eyes and pay attention to your breath as you slowly inhale and exhale. A good rule of thumb is to exhale twice as long as you inhale (ex. breathe in for a count of two, breathe out for a count of four). If you become distracted by stray thoughts gently return your attention to your breath. Never force it though. That's what people frequently struggle with.

Meditation on an object is common. Particularly a candle flame. Focus on the movement of the flame. Its rise and fall, its sway from side to side. As popular as this one is, any object can be used. Try a variety and use the one which works best for you.

The image that comes to mind when a person mentions meditation may be of someone using mantras. This is a technique that is used in many forms of meditation. Transcendental meditation, for example. You can use an individual mantra that holds special significance for you, or you can try a more universal one. "Om mani padme hum" is Sanskrit and is probably the most famous mantra in Hinduism and Buddhism.

With walking meditation you pay attention to the rhythm of your footsteps. To concentrate deeper, don't look around. Keep your gaze focused directly in front of you. Any time your mind wanders from what you are doing, just gently bring it back to the rhythm of your feet.

These are only a few of the many methods of meditation. Hopefully you have a better understanding now of what meditation is and how it can be accomplished.

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