How I did it: Almost every night for 3 months I would get out my meditation pillow, put on some relaxing music and meditate. Some days were better than others, but charting my progress here on 43things really helped me stick to this goal. In the end, though, life got too busy and I stopped doing this.

At the beginning of 2011 I decided to change my tactics: in addition to my regular yoga classes I now practice yoga each morning at home. This way I can continue carving out this moment for myself each day. Somehow, getting on my mat and doing some exercises is easier than sitting down and "just meditating". Of course, yoga can lead to meditation- and it often does.

Lessons & tips:

• set realistic goals. Don't just say: I'm going to meditate daily, but instead say: I'm going to meditate daily for the next 3 weeks. This helps you maintain your drive and focus.
  
• read up on meditation techniques
  
• combine yoga (or other forms of calming exercise) with meditation. Yoga helps to get you focused and eases you into meditation.
  
• if you forget to meditate or if you can't keep focused during meditation: don't worry. You'll do better next time. Always start from where you are now.

Resources: Yoga, classical music, meditation pillow, yoga mat, comfy clothes, scented candles.

Jun 16, 2011, 07:20AM PDT | 0 comments | 6 cheers