Meditation is a journey. To master a musical instrument, the musician must practice often. Similarly, with each meditation, the skill is improved. It becomes easier to sit quietly for the desired period of time. It becomes easier to quiet the mind. The experience becomes deeper, more satisfying and more enjoyable. It becomes a time that is treasured.

Before outlining the process, here are some definitions. Meditation is sacred. For the purpose of this discourse, the word sacred would be defined as pertaining to the Spirit. Spirit is defined as the life force within. Soul can be perceived as the collective conscious and subconscious experiences of a particular lifetime. A living being on this planet is defined as the sum total of all experiences of all lifetimes.

Life is sacred. To explore the essence of life is a sacred process. Meditation is an exploration of life within, thus mediation is a sacred process. Preparation is as important as the act of meditation.

Prepare the environment for a sacred process. Each individual is different, thus the process is unique for everyone. For example, the steps may include processes such as cleansing oneself, wearing a garment chosen for this purpose, dim lighting, scents, or quiet and soothing music. Choosing a quiet place away from any potential disturbances is equally important. Next, select the time and duration.

Preparing the body is the next step. During meditation, the body will object to sitting quietly. The muscles will complain. The skin will itch. The back will hurt. To address these concerns, gentle and relaxing physical exercise would help. For example, yoga, stretching, flexing each muscle or neck and shoulder rotations. Twenty minutes of walking or four or five minutes of gentle exercise should be sufficient.

One of the most comfortable postures to choose is sitting on a firm and solid chair where the feet can comfortably be placed flat on the floor. The chair should be deep enough to support the back in a comfortable erect position. Some may choose to sit on the floor cross-legged. Choose whatever works best for the body and the time period chosen. Whatever method is used, keep the legs gently apart and the hands on the lap facing downward. If there is a desire and an inclination to clasp the hands, then do this initially until the position can be comfortably changed to the lap. Posture is important to enhance and not restrict the energy flow of the life force.