How Do I Meditate?

Want to learn how to meditate, but you're not sure how?

Meditation teacher and author Susan Shumsky says you shouldn't feel intimidated. She calls meditation "a very simple way to get comfortable, to become more quiet, more relaxed, more connected, more at ease. If you can follow very simple instructions, then you can meditate."

Shumsky offers the following exercise for newbies:

• First, don't allow yourself to be interrupted. Turn off your phone and put a "do not disturb" sign on the door.
• Sit comfortably; you don't have to be cross-legged on a cushion. However, don't lie down, which could result in sleepiness. And don't worry about staying absolutely still; scratch itches, etc.
• Start by closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths.
• State what you'd like to get from a meditation session, such as "inner peace, healing or creative ideas." Then, "take another deep breath, and do nothing, nothing and less than nothing. Keep a neutral attitude, but be open to receive."
• Don't try to consciously "stop thinking thoughts. It's impossible to control your mind in that way. Thoughts are continually going through your mind."
• When you're finished, "say an affirmation such as, 'I am alert, I am awake.'"