"If it weren't for my mind, my meditation would be excellent."

~Pema Chödrön

Every meditation is different. Some of them will be peaceful throughout and you may feel a deep sense of joy. Other times your mind might be wild with thoughts of the day, responsibilities you have yet to fulfill, or emotions that percolate to the surface of your mind.

Here are some steps you can take during your practice so that you avoid unnecessary turmoil and disappointment:

1) Accept whatever shows up for you. If your mind is wild with thoughts, simply let them arise without judgement. When you catch yourself being aware of these thoughts, you can remind yourself to focus once again on your breath.

2) Sometimes you may experience emotions arising. Again, allow them to move through you without judgement. Emotions need to move through us, otherwise they can become stuck within our body and cause discomfort or even disease later in life. The release of that emotion could be the very thing that brings some relief and a quieter mind.

3) Release expectations of a specific outcome before you go in to a meditation. Some people will enter meditations with the hope that they will be able to manifest money, relationships or health. High expectations of a specific outcome can lead to disappointments when they do not arise immediately. The less you expect of your meditation the easier you will find happiness.

OK, you are now ready to begin with some simple meditations.......