Gothic BC

There are lots of different practices that are referred to as meditation.  I'm going to deal with two approaches you can try.  If you've never meditated before, you might want to begin with the first one.

One of the most important things about meditation is that you don't have to be a yoga expert to do it, or anything.  Find a comfortable position; a chair, on your bed.  Find a time when you want to do it, when you're not too tired or anything...when your mind is relatively at ease and not too preoccupied.

1. Mindfulness of Body. 

Whatever posture you're in, just be in that posture.  Close your eyes.  If you find yourself wavering off to la la land, open them a bit.  Put your attention on your body.  How does it feel, physically?  Maybe fine, maybe a bit stiff or sore in some places.  However it is, accept that that's the way it is right now.  Move on to another part of your body...feet, legs, hips, back, arms, head and so on...you'll find that, after a while, you make natural adjustments to your posture because you're putting your attention there.  That's okay.  Be as comfortable as you can...no special position or anything...your body will tell you how it wants to be.

You can even do this when you're out and about, walking around or cycling.  Just putting your attention on walking, your legs moving...how does it feel?  One step, then another...the way the rest of your body moves with it.  The idea is that we are looking at our body objectively, seeing it simply how it is.  Right now, I have a pain in my back.  I note that, accept it and adjust my posture sitting here at the computer.  I also note that my feet are warm and dry.  I note that and accept it.  However things are, pleasant or unpleasant, through mindfulness, we are creating a mental space, wheer we are not instantly reacting to things out of desire or aversion, but seeing them as they are, acceptingly.

Next time you miss a bus, or your friend doesn't show up or something...rather than reacting immediately, use the approach above to simply note conditions, how things are right now...and accept it.  Then, whatever action you take becasue of it will come from a place of wisdom, rather than instant reactivity.  It will be skillful.