While some practices and exercises are quite involved and complicated, the simplest and most basic of them remain incredibly rewarding and effective. We all meditate at sometime during the day perhaps when we are so absorbed in a book that we fail to notice the fading light. Or when we are so intent on a project that we don’t notice that we haven’t eaten since yesterday. Meditation is a perfectly natural and normal process. If you don’t already have a meditation practice, you might enjoy meditating intentionally as well as accidentally.
I believe your intent and your respect for the process are more important than the specifics of any particular meditation exercise or ritual.
As a starting point – sit up straight (but relaxed) with your hands in your lap. Soften your jaw muscles and your tongue. Close your eyes. Listen to and feel the movement of your breath as it slips in and out of your body. Observe the breath without attempting to control or direct it in any way. Continue for as long as you can concentrate completely on your breathing. Some days you may be able to focus for only one breath. On other days, fifty. The quality of your effort (or effortlessness) is more important than the length of time.
Be well. Breathe beautifully.
