Source: Art of Living Foundation
#1 Choose a convenient time
Meditation is essentially relaxation time, so it should be done entirely at your convenience. Choose a time when you know you are not likely to be disturbed and are free to relax and enjoy. The hours of sunrise and sunset, while nature transitions between day and night, are also ideal for the practice.
#2 Choose a quiet place
Just like a convenient hour, choose a place where you are not likely to be disturbed. Quiet and peaceful surroundings can make the meditation experience more enjoyable and relaxing.
#3 Sit comfortably
Your posture makes a difference too. Make sure you are relaxed, comfortable and steady. Sit straight with your spine erect; keep your shoulders and neck relaxed, and eyes closed throughout the process. That you have to sit in Padmasana (the lotus position) to meditate is a very common myth of meditation.
#4 Keep a relatively empty stomach
A good time to meditate is before having a meal. After food, you might doze off while meditating. However, do not force yourself to meditate when you are very hungry. You will find it difficult because of hunger cramps or you may even keep thinking about food the whole time! In this case, you can meditate after two hours after having food.
#5 Start with a few warm-ups
A few warm-up exercises (before sitting to meditate) helps improve circulation, removes inertia and restlessness and makes the body feel lighter. You will be able to sit steadily for a longer time.
#6 Take a few deep breaths
This is preparation for easy meditation. Deep breathing in and out before meditating is always a good idea. This helps to steady the rhythm of the breath and leads the mind in to a peaceful meditative state.
#7 Keep a gentle smile on your face
You will see the difference. A gentle smile throughout keeps you relaxed, peaceful and enhances your meditation experience.
#8 Open your eyes slowly and gently
As you come close to the end of the meditation, don’t be in a hurry to open your eyes and start moving about. Open your eyes slowly and gradually and take time to become aware of yourself and your surroundings.
