Meditation Exercise

The central practice of yoga is meditation. It means to look within the mind to feel the bliss that is the essence of your existence. That bliss is within you, just as it is within everybody and everything. It is an essential tool for self-transformation and spiritual development.

How to meditate

• Don't worry if you have trouble concentrating – it's normal. It takes some  time and practice to be able to focus on the one thought. Every time you realize your mind has wandered away from the mantra, concentrate on it again – it will get easier the more you do it. 

• Don't meditate sitting on a chair or on bed – you will likely get too relaxed to concentrate. Instead, sit cross-legged on the floor in a peaceful place. Sit on a blanket or mat, and keep it only for your meditation. Avoid resting your back against the wall.

• Refresh yourself with cool water before you start.

• Meditate twice a day – in the morning before breakfast, and in the evening before dinner. Each time is important, to get your mind and body used to it.

• Sing the mantra aloud before meditation. It calms the mind and prepares it for meditation. You can sing to any tune you like.

• Repeat the mantra throughout the rest of the day, singing it if you like. That will give you a continual feeling of lightness and happiness, and make it easier to meditate.