When learning anything new, it is always best to set ourselves up for success. Whether we are starting a new job, learning math, starting a new exercise routine or learning to meditate, let’s set ourselves up at the beginning so we have success early on. There will be plenty of opportunity to challenge ourselves later.

There are several ways we can improve our chances of success.

When is the best time for sitting meditation?
This can vary for each individual. Each of us may have a different ‘best’ time that works for us as individuals.

You can meditate anytime. It is always better to meditate then not to. In general, if you had the choice, the best time to meditate is before breakfast or dusk, before meals, when you are not sleepy. Meditating after eating can be distracting and meditating right before sleep may end up putting us to sleep.

Once again, however, anytime is better then none. So better to meditate when you are sleepy on a full stomach, then not to meditate at all!

When you find the time best for you, try to be consistent. In that way you will begin to develop a good habit….and good habits are hard to break, just the same as bad habits are. Consistency will determine the degree of benefit you receive from your meditation. Better to meditate 5-10 minutes a day EVERY day, then 2-3 times a week for 20-30 minutes each.

Commit to once or twice a day…..start now….good habits are hard to break.

Where should I meditate?
Find or create a clean uncluttered area or room in your home. It will be harder to clear your mind if before you close your eyes and after you open your eyes, you are in the midst of a cluttered environment surrounding you.

The space you create should feel light, airy and special. To create this feeling feel free to use anything that might inspire you. You might have pictures of people who you feel are spiritually inspiring to you. Flowers add a nice feeling. They easily bring nature and beauty into your meditation space.

Make sure to remove any potential distractions by turning off the ringer to your phone. Make sure others who live with you know not to bother you while you are in your meditation space. This may take some time for your family or friends to get used to.

Once again we must do what we can to set ourselves up for success. We can prepare for a positive experience by anticipating and eliminating distractions beforehand. Then when we do meditate, we can feel comfortable that we will be able to meditate without external distractions.

What should I sit on?
You can sit on anything that will allow your spine to feel tall and comfortable. You can sit on a chair or a couch, or a meditation cushion on the floor. Feel free to use the wall to lean on if you are using the floor or a cushion. A pillow or rolled towel behind the lower back may help be more comfortable and help you sit up tall.