(Examiner.com, July 23, 2009)
Meditation is like a vast unexplored continent. The farther one travels, the more splendor and beauty one will see. To begin the great adven-ture, one must prepare for the journey and bring appropriate equip-ment, clothing, and fuel. A well equipped expedition will ensure minimal setbacks and may determine the entire success of the journey. 
Here is an inventory list of some "equipment" needed on a meditation journey in order to establish and maintain a successful practice.- Set the intention: Be clear and realistic with expectations [or drop them altogether]. Ask, What am I willing to sacrifice in order to set aside the time necessary to meditate?
- Create the atmosphere: Dedicate a little corner, mat, or chair for meditation, using it only for this purpose. Put on some music, make some tea, develop a meditation ritual. This is not sitting on a cushion with lit candles and incense; it simply means establishing a special place only for meditation.
- Set aside a time: This may sound obvious, but have a specific time of day when it is possible to be alone in relative quiet. Guard it from disturbances, and protect the inner peace gained.
- Unplug: Turn off the phone, the computer, the TV. Free of these enslaving distractions, it is possible to get to know some outer peace and quiet to dedicate to meditation.
- Stay consistent: Diligence is the main thing. Inconsistency is a major stumbling block for any practice. Developing a good habit is crucial. But how? It takes three weeks of doing the same thing over and over again for body and mind to adjust. Then it becomes easy and natural.
- Keep a diary or journal: After every meditation session, take a few minutes to jot down the experiences, bodily sensations, mental imagery, or thoughts. As one looks back to check on progress, one suddenly realizes -- it's right there in your own handwriting -- something is happening. Progress is being made. It's also a great way to share experiences with others if that comes up. Keep a record of the day, time, and duration of the meditation.
- Experiment: Start now. Just sit. There are many different types of meditation. [The Path of Purification suggests which personality types will benefit most from which types of meditation, but experimenting proves useful. There are free teachers like Goenka and books at the library and bookstore. And nuns and monks in American temples and on video and on the Web. Come to these resources as someone who already sits.] One never knows which one will work best until one tries. Among the many types, the most common are: guided visualization, mindfulness, calming music, sitting silently in nature, Tibetan singing bowls, walking, slow repetitive movements [Tai chi, yoga, Chi gong, dance, fencing, martial arts], mantra repetition, and watching the breath.
More information on the magic of breathing exercises:
Or visit Vlad Moskovski's BLOG to find many articles on meditation techniques, the Law of Attraction, personal development, inner peace, yoga, changing moods and emotions, intuition, and much more.
