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Meditation is the art of looking inwards. It helps us to be more focussed in the work that we do. Meditation helps to bring about harmony both in body and mind. Above all, it ushers in peace and helps us to relax.

Here are some suggestions to calm yourself.

Initially while trying to concentrate, the mind is bound to wander. In the beginning, it is better to concentrate on any beautiful object of nature, be it a lovely red rose, a mountain, a green leaf or anything that one likes. Some concentrate on their favourite Gods or Godesses or even a teacher. After practising concentration for some time, one tries to meditate. In this stage, the mind is still. Gradually, the duration of this stillness increases.

Over a period of time, meditation becomes positive and a sense of concentration and power emanates from within. Our rishis and sidhars attained this blissful state. In the yoga sutras of Patanjali, the last two stages of yoga is called Dhyana and Samadhi. Dhyana is meditation. The samadhi state is unison with the object of concentration. This is merging with the macrocosm or parabrahmam. This state is beyond all limitations or boundaries and transcends time and space and everything becomes one in the eyes of the practitioner.

Apart from the time we sit for the meditation session we have to practise good thoughts. However difficult it may be, try and think positive. For example, nurture thoughts of love where there is hatred.

In a family, the members can sit together fix up a time and practise meditation. Group prayers and affirmation also help in increasing concentration in the long run.

Always set a time and place for meditation. A carpet or a small mat should be kept ready. Early morning and evenings are the best time of the day. Sit straight. The best asana would be padmasana or sukhasana or the cross legged pose. In case sitting down on the mat is not possible, you can begin meditation by sitting on a low stool with a cushion for support. After practising for a month, you can sit cross-legged on the mat.

Place the back of the palm on the knees. Keep the fingers in the chin mudra, i.e., the thumb and pointing finger should touch. This mudra symbolises the unison of the jeevatma with paramatma. First calm the mind and then begin the meditation session. It is always better to learn from a guru or teacher in the beginning.