Meditation has been shown to decrease anxiety, depression and stress, but even the most dedicated practitioners make mistakes.
The truth is there are no real mistakes in meditation, even though some things feel like it.
If you sit down to meditate and fall asleep, don't worry. According to Light Watkins, author of Bliss More: How to Succeed in Meditation Without Really Trying, falling asleep can show meditation is working. If you are falling asleep because you are meditating at the end of a busy day, try working in moments during your day: Breathing deeply when you walk through a door; Unplugging for a short, private walk; Eating alone and becoming mindful of your food.
Don't worry if you can't focus. No one can clear their mind of everything but you can get better over time, and the ability to focus will remain with you more throughout the day.
Don't give up if you don't experience miracles. You won't instantly become a guru with total self-control and peace. But you might get more of those things over time. That's what it takes: time.
Try to be consistent. Ten minutes of meditation every day is better than a marathon hour every once in a while.
Style isn't important. You don't have to sit like Ghandi and burn candles. Sit down and relax in your own way.
Don't look for the perfect time and setting. Your life doesn't have to be perfect. The place doesn't have to be ethereal. Just set your time and enjoy.
