What Preparation Do You Need In Order To Meditate?

Meditation is a very personal experience. There are many different types of meditation promoted by many different gurus and sages. To get started let’s consider what you need to prepare yourself for meditating. In reality for those who are skilled in the art of meditation they can go into a meditative state in the blink of an eye anywhere they happen to be. So while this may be something you are striving for just be aware that it is possible. For now we will start out at the beginning and help you get started.

With the variety of styles and disciplines you may want to find one that suits your particular lifestyle, or interest. Some meditators’ shut out all sensory input: they have no light, no sounds, some even use floating tanks where they float in salt water so there is nothing touching them, (this is perhaps where the cave comes in). But as you will see all this is not as necessary as having the right frame of mind and being willing to practice.

Having said that here is what I would suggest that you do:

• Find a comfortable, quiet spot – somewhere you will not be disturbed.
• Turn off all phones – especially the cell phone, and get away from the door bell.
• Have the temperature set to a comfortable level.
• Your clothing should be loose and light.
• You may want to have the room dark, maybe with a candle burning.
• Incense would be appropriate, but is not required.
• Sitting in the lotus position is perfect, but if not possible a straight back chair will work nicely.
• You do not want any tension in any part of your body.
• You will want your back straight and both feet flat on the floor, no slouching.
• Be as comfortable as possible, you could even do it lying down, but there is a tendency to fall asleep if you do.
• You could play a CD with music or sounds conducive to meditating.

So as you can see the process is pretty flexible. While there are a few do’s and don’ts, the end result is to learn how to do deep breathing, calm your mind, and enjoy the experience.

The easiest way to start once you have everything set up is to get into the position you will meditate in, close your eyes and start a slow rhythmic breathing. Then observe your breathe going in, and out. Just focus on your breathe and gently work to slow it down, When you find your mind drifting bring it back gently and start again, observing the breath in and out. These are the basics, and as you progress you will be guided to other techniques and teachers.