This instruction is to review the key points of preparing for meditation.

Find a quiet place.

Wear comfortable non-restrictive clothing.  I like sweats and a tee shirt

Meditation is best 2 – 3 hours after eating (so we are not processing food)

If you can sit in Yoga cross-legged posture that is great

If you use a chair to sit in to meditate, that is great too

Sit so that your back is straight

You want to be comfortable

Sitting up straight for extended periods takes some practice, but it becomes more natural over time

If you are not comfortable, you will focus on your discomfort rather than the technique

I use a folding chair, with a cushion, covered by a wool cloth, and then I wrap a wool shawl around me

I have been told that wool helps isolate energy during meditation

The place you choose to meditate should be somewhere you can meditate regularly

Over time energy can develop where you meditate and you may begin to feel it

Keep your your head upright, eyes forward or slightly upwards, and closed or partially open

Hands are typically recommended to be upward and at the junction of thigh and hip

If you have long arms, moving them forward may be necessary to be more comfortable

SO WHAT NOW

We are sitting, relaxed, straight back, hands up on our thighs…what’s next

Mentally we need to get to the right place

First – tense the entire body and then relax it…do this two or three times

Next – practice breathing

Count to 10 on inhale, count to 10 on hold, count to 10 on exhale, and 10 on hold again

While doing this focus on the breath and perform this series of 4 steps 3 times

Thanks for getting ready, and have a great meditation!