1. Set aside at least ten minutes a day, and eventually longer, in a quiet and private place. (Most meditation forms range in length of practice time from twenty minutes to an hour.)
2. Be prepared to encounter numerous mental distractions. Let them rise and fall or float away like leaves in a moving stream. But don’t get washed away with them. Develop an attitude of passive acceptance.
3. Select a centering device. This can be a sound or word or phrase—a mantra—that is repeated. (For example: “One” or “Peace” or a phrase like “There is only love.”) Or use a candle or devotional picture to keep your attention focused. You can sing an inspirational song, recite a favorite poem, or use a repetitious bodily movement like swaying or rocking to create a similar centering focus. Concentrating on the breath as it rises and falls or simply counting breaths are other common forms of centering.
4. With extraneous thoughts now in the background, the body and mind are free to rest deeply. For some people, this naturally evolves into a time of wordless gratitude. Others find they more clearly hear or perceive their intuition or inner voice.
5. Keep bringing your attention back to your center. As your mind wanders, and it always will, imagine that you are taking it gently by the hand and leading it back—the way you might lead an exuberant child back to the sidewalk on the way to school. Let gentleness be the guiding principle.
6. Use resources as you need them. There are many books available that will teach you simple meditation practices. In many cities there are groups devoted to teaching and practicing meditation techniques. Energy is greatly intensified when meditation is done with a group. You will be amazed at how many people privately practice some form of personal spiritual practice like meditation. Start asking and listen to what people have to say.

Finding a center, a home, a place of balance within makes almost anything easier to face. The universe, from this perspective, seems friendly, and your place in it feels blessed. Since your life energy emanates from your center, being there regularly means being in greater harmony with yourself, your brothers and sisters, and the cosmos.

To love is to approach each other center to center.—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

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