Meditation is like Swimming....

Clearly not managing to get the gist of meditation on my own, I decided to go on the search for some help. Enter the lovely folk of The Meditation Society of Australia (yes, one really does exist) at www.meditation.org.au and I'm starting to get a bit of an idea of what's going on.

The lesson starts by saying that meditation is an extremely simple process - yeah right. We start with our scattered thoughts (cook dinner, drive the car, etc), move into analytical thinking (when we're focused on one thing in particular), before arriving at our intuitive state, which was described as being like when a sportsman enters their 'zone' - this is meditation.

So the first thing I have to do is find an area of my home that will be dedicated purely to meditating: oh, and you have to make it 'inspirational.' The powers-that-be recommend covering a table with a light cloth, lighting a candle, placing fresh flowers next to it and even lighting some incense.

I don't find the above inspirational. Knowing my luck the incense would make me sneeze, the flowers would wilt and the candle would set the cloth on fire. Instead, I find my inspiration from the written word, so I  fashioned myself a little nook in the corner of the bedroom between my favourite literature and my writing gear. I even threw some cushions in to make it comfy :-) Oh and I do have a dedicated candle for the occasion.

The next step I don't quite understand: take a shower. Or if taking a shower is inconvenient, wash your face and hands. Still don't get it but righto

Next up sitting straight and relaxed, wearing comfy clothes (with bare feet) gets you ready to start. Five minutes a day - at the same time everyday - is a recommended starting point.

I can TOTALLY do that.

But when?

My society friends recommend first thing in the morning to set yourself up for the day. I go for a walk first thing in the morning so that doesn't work.  The other two optimal times are immediately after work to relieve stress - or to stop you bitch-slapping someone - or before bed to help you sleep more soundly.

I've decided that before bed fits best with my current schedule, unless I do happen to have a particularly stressful day and decide it's better for my marriage if I get calm before using sharp utensils.

So starting tonight I'll be meditating via candlelight for five minutes before bed. Unless I've eaten a big dinner. Meditating straight after eating is not recommended....