Learning to meditate could be considered a difficult endeavour particularly as in the West we are encouraged to always be active. Idleness of any kind is frowned upon as laziness and so we learn from an early age to always be on the go, mentally and physically. Add to that visions of fasting monks braving the elements on freezing mountain tops and it is no wonder that many are afraid to even try meditation.
Your first steps upon the path to learning meditation do not require any such action. To begin, you simply need to allocate yourself a period of time when you can be alone and undisturbed. This means actually switching off your cell phone, unplugging your laptop, switching off the radio or television and being committed to spending some quality time with yourself.
Make sure to dress in comfortable clothing, ensure that the room you plan on meditating in is neither too hot nor too cold. If you like, light some scented candles or some pleasantly fragranced incense. Be sure that you are neither hungry nor thirsty when you begin. This may seem like a silly consideration, but once you have settled down to meditate, being interrupted by a rumbling stomach is the last thing you need.
Your next step is to get comfortable. Do not worry about trying to pretzel yourself into the lotus position at this stage. Simply position yourself comfortably. If that, to you, means relaxing on the couch or laying down on the bed, then begin where your body will feel most comfortable.
The idea is to be able to turn your focus elsewhere and you cannot do that if your are physically uncomfortable. Once you are comfortable, close your eyes and simply relax and focus on your breathing. Begin by taking slow, deep measured breaths and trying to make your breathing circular.
As you breathe, clear your mind of the daily chores and worries. Simply relax and breathe and try to empty your mind of the daily clutter that keeps it going around in circles. Become aware of your body and if you sense any pain or tension direct your breath at these areas, imagining that as you exhale that you are releasing it from you.
Just continue to clear your mind of unwanted thoughts and keep the focus on your breathing, willing yourself to relax completely. You may at first only be able to sustain this for short periods of time, but you are well on the way to mastering the art of meditation.