In this segment, well be looking at helpful ways to encourage that medative state of mind, ready for when we start work on different meditation techniques, which will be covered in subsequent lessons.

Meditation is a discipline that coaches relaxation in the body and calms the mind which I believe, leads to discovering our divine, true self that has no beginning and no end.
When we first start on the path of meditation we can encounter many difficulties. Finding the right time or *fitting it into our daily routines* is typically the first difficulty. The second, is how to relax the body and calming the mind is the third most common difficulty. This is by far the most common difficulty people encounter. This is a tricky technique to accomplish because when we first try and relax the mind, we are attacked by thoughts on every day subjects and worries. Pantanjali, a wise eastern sage likens the mind to a pond into which is thrown a continuous stream of stones, causing ripples upon the ponds surface. The pond represents the mind, the stones, thoughts and the ripples, the disturbances that these thoughts cause. Unless we stop throwing stones, allowing the ripples to become still, we will never see the bottom. In other words, if we are unable to quieten the mind and free it from thoughts we will never see our own true self.

Establishing time
It is important to set aside the same time each day to meditate. This then becomes a discipline, as its so easy to have the intentions to meditate every single day, but if a fixed time is not organised, the day then becomes night and then we just simply *can't be bothered*.Therefore we should ideally set aside fifteen minutes daily for stilling the mind and attaining inner peace. You might find you actually look forward to these moments that are just for you. Let me assure you now, that this time you set aside will definitely not be wasted time.
I suggest, when starting meditation for the first time, you do two fifteen minute meditations daily. But be sure to leave at least six hours in-between each meditation, dusk and dawn are excellent times to meditate. More importantly, try to give your mind some notice that it is about to meditate. Once you have decided your time for meditation it does help to stick to it as previously mentioned in this article, discipline. This should not be hurried or done whilst you should be doing your washing or you wont settle. If you meditate before going to sleep in the evening, the serenity produced will help sleeps become better quality, often recommended for insomniacs to try. If you sleep with worries or active thoughts on your mind you will have poor quality of rest, but if you go to bed with a peaceful mind, you should sleep like a child and hopefully awaken in the morning revitalised and refreshed ready for the new day.
If you meditate in the mornings, the inner peace you reach first thing will carry you through the day, with a sense of calm and cope-ability. Again, take your time and do no worry. I find it helpful to set the alarm clock just twenty minutes earlier than normal. I allow five minutes to prepare the room for mediation and then I settle down in peace, because the rest of my family is still sleeping. This is my usual time for positive affirmations as they prepare me for the day. Its comparable to setting your mind to the right frequency, if we affirm often enough.
Meditation is a perfect way to bring in affirmations, especially morning ones. Leave an hour after a meal, or you will still be in digestion mode. You can meditate anytime of the day, you must find what suits you and your way of life best.

Establishing location
Think of any meditation centres, Yoga rooms or indeed churches that you may have visited in the past and remember how the room felt, how you felt as you entered the room. Most people can feel the space as soon as they walk in to the room. Similar to when you meet a person and you know instantly if you like them or not. This is because the people, who have prayed or meditated previously in that room, have instilled their lingering thoughts and energies there and, as we know, energy cannot be destroyed. Thats one great reason to think about using the same room for each mediation session. Find a place which is quiet, warm and where you know you will not be disturbed.
The more a space is used for meditation the more peaceful the vibrations become there and accordingly, easier to slip into that meditative state of mind. If, like most people, you do not have the room for a special meditation room in your home, you can utilise another room such as your living room. In this case, before you meditate, you can soften the energy vibrations created by the normal hustle and bustle that will have been created throughout the day, several ways. Most commonly, by thoroughly airing the room and the burning of incense or Aromatherapy oils, but my favourite way is with fresh flowers. Fresh flowers not only contribute their own gentle fragrance, but also provide objects for contemplation if you are working with gazing meditation. Another way to enhance the atmosphere ready for meditation is by playing a tape of soft new age or classical music, but its imperative that I mention here that although music can be a useful aid, many do prefer complete silence during mediation so trial and error to find what suits you best. Lighting should be soft, wear clothes that are warm, comfortable and of course none restrictive, Id also suggest that you remove your shoes, simply because the more comfortable you are, the easier it will be for you to relax in preparation for mediation.
As Ive mentioned, we are not all lucky enough to have our own mediation room, but there are alternatives. Use of your bedroom (try not to fall asleep though), the garden (find a tree or plant you feel most connected to and use that as your own personal mediation space during the warmer months) or by finding any room that is not being utilized in the evenings or mornings. (I have known people to use the cupboard under their stairs to find that peace and personal space thats just theirs! Any space will do, as long as you feel safe and comfortable there.

Establishing posture
Its alright, Im not about to dictate to you, strange and weird postures that only the most athletic or subtle bodies can manage, but I do need to point out that you should get your posture right for you before contemplating a meditation. Otherwise you may find the whole exercise ruined by uncomfortable fidgets. Not only for comfort, but if you have got the posture right you should feel grounded and safe.
Which ever posture you choose, you must insure that your spine is straight, as this is the main channel in which your energy flows from the earth and through your spiritual body towards the higher realms of consciousness. Not only that, but you dont want to injure your back by sitting slumped for long periods of time. Find what suits you by trying a few things out, lying down, sitting up in a high back chair, or on a sofa. Perhaps you can use props around your home to adjust your comfort levels, such as big floor cushions or yoga mats.
Have a play and see what you feel most comfortable with. Try each position by staying in it for five minutes at a time and seeing how your body feels in that space. Dont worry, you dont need to have a set posture, you can swop and change the more you practise meditation, and soon youll have it down to a fine art. Youll know exactly what feels good and what does not.

Words to think about until our next lessons Trial and error, find what suits you and dont be afraid to try new things. You never know, the grass could actually be greener on the other side, if not then no harm done..