My mini guide to meditation.

First the definition of meditating from Webster:

Definition of MEDITATE

intransitive verb

1

: to engage in contemplation or reflection

2

: to engage in mental exercise (as concentration on one's breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness

transitive verb

1

: to focus one's thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over

2

: to plan or project in the mind : intend, purpose

There are all kinds of ways to meditate. I am going to tell you some reasons to people meditate, a little how to and the way that I do it. Here are some basics on personalizing your mediation experience so it works for you. Whatever you are trying to accomplish by meditating, the key is always to focus. You can't be distracted. Everyone's brain works differently so what may work for you may not work for others. Don't feel weird if your friend has a meditation corner, sits cross legged on the floor and hums while you stand in the laundry room and sing Bon Jovi. Whatever works for you and focus are the key points in this mini guide, BE SURE TO USE THEM! If you're thinking something along the lines of "Aw sushcks, I have horrible concentration. Oh no, I'll never achive *insert selected goal here,*" do not fear! Meditation can help you learn how to focus. For some people meditation is for focusing on a thought and thinking, some it is for clearing their head and focusing on the now, some it is for achieving inner peace, some for inspiration, some for getting closer to whatever higher power they believe in, other religious purposes, some for calming down, some to "wake up" to their life and be more aware and some do it just to try it. If you haven't already I want you to, right now, think of why you want to meditate. Get a meditation goal(s) per-say.If you don't want to meditate... why are you reading this!?

WARNING!!! Never meditate while driving unless you are trying to focus on driving and I don't recommend driving or meditating while tired unless you are trying to go to sleep and I don't recommend trying to go to sleep while driving. RUN-ON SENTENCE.

If you can change your environment, do. Shape your environment to benefit you! Some say posture is important but I disagree. To me all you have to do is be comfortable and able to focus. You do not need it to be quiet but you do need to be able to focus so whatever helps achieve that. Try it siting, standing and laying down. You do not need a peaceful environment but if you are mediating your eyes open having one sure helps. 

So on those notes try meditation...
With music playing. Try both in your face music, like rock or heavy metal, and gentle music. Try them both in instrumental versions too. Try it with fans, or a white noise machine, blocking out all the noise. Try it outside. Try it with your eyes closed. Try it with your eyes open and staring at something unmoving such as the floor. Try it with your eyes open and staring at something moving in a pattern such as a static-y tv. Try it with your eyes open and watching something moving unexpectedly such as a crowd or random animals. Try making a meditation corner in your home. (It can be simple or elaborate but for now while you are new and do not know if you even need one, just go with simple. Such as  a pillow, some candles and a picture that represents your meditation goals.) Try going to your favorite park, going to a museum, and going somewhere noisy. Try focusing your attention and/or mind on different things such as your breathing, the sound of a fan, the sight of a static-y tv... etc. Try counting your breaths in a "pattern" like I do. (see below.) Try being both still and doing something rhythmic like chewing gum or taping. Trial and error baby, trial and error!

If you are just unsure in how to meditate at all here it is: Get comfortable. Then it is deep breathing, focus on something and then whatever else helps you focus/you need to do to in order to accomplish your meditation goals. Sounds easy when you put it like that right? Don't rush into your mediation goal(s) let your body and mind settle before you jump in. Don't try and stop your thoughts, for this will aggravate you, simply try to let them go and go back to focusing on whatever you were focusing on. Do not force yourself to meditate for a long time. Just do it for as long as is successful and then stop. You won't need to meditate for the same length every time.

Ok now here is how and why I meditate!
*First, how I breathe: I slowly inhale through my nose with my mouth closed, I slowly open my mouth whilst holding my breath for about 3 seconds (but I don't count! I just hold it until I want to release it) then I exhale through my mouth. My breathing is the most important part of mediation to me.
*When I cant sleep: While laying down in my bed I focus on simply breathing. I comb my fingers through my hair, from base to tips, in an upward motion. I start with my eyes open, but unseeing, to closing them as it starts to work.
*When I want to better myself: I stretch first to loosen up, get comfortable then breath and think about whatever I need to.
*When I need to get focused on the task at hand or calm down: This one is quick because I usually only do it in the middle of doing something. I stop what I am doing, close my eyes, breath and either try not to think or I think "I can do this." or "Just breath, shhhh."

IT IS THAT SIMPLE PEOPLE. THAT. DARN. SIMPLE.