Meditation Anyone?

"When the mind is quiet, the soul can speak."

For me, meditation is like a cup of coffee in the morning because it allows me without force, to be more aware, kind and tranquil. Most college kids have trouble giving themselves the time to stop thinking about school, their work and friends. Meditation allows a human being to have a moment for themselves to breathe and calm down. Getting started isn't as hard as one may think. Just start with sitting down and breathing in and out.

How to Meditate:
Keep in mind there is no fixed way to meditate, no right or wrong. I'd recommend whatever seated position allows you to relax and causes the least strain, but by making your back straight. Keeping your spine upright is integral to comfort and easing your breath. Here are some ways I find work well:

Seated position

Sit as you would with your legs crossed but bolster yourself back by adding pillows or folded towels (or any substitute). You'll notice it makes it easier to sit upright. 

Kneeling

This position is advantageous from what I've found in that it requires the least effort to straighten your spine. You can bolster yourself in the same way by either adding cushions on top of your heels or by spreading your ankles and stacking them from the floor.

Against a wall

A wall can assist you in keeping your back straight. An armchair is also a good for relaxing the body.

Laying down 

I personally wouldn't recommend this because I find that my mind drifts and I become sleepy. But if it works for you, go for it. Just note that there is a difference between resting and meditation.

Meditation mentality
     As for what to think about, it's helpful to break the notion that there is a proper or improper result. This belief will hinder the process.
     I find it helpful to imagine thoughts as clouds drifting by. The idea here is developing the ability to see your thoughts as apart from your present state. Thoughts will undoubtedly pop up during, but pay them no attention and simply let them pass by.
     I also like to concentrate on the idea of letting go. This includes letting go of thought, anxiety, self, or whatever else is having an effect your present state. Letting go of control is a significant aspect of the process. We exert ourselves mentally with the idea that we can control the outcome of certain events even when this belief is illusory. This idea is frightening to many, so don't practice it if it makes you anxious, just notice how you respond to it and move on.
     Meditation is an extraordinary way to ground yourself and will help you with almost any thing at any time. When we're busy it's hardest to break our focus and enter a state of calm, but this is also when we need it most. You can do it from 5 minutes to 45. Whatever you're willing to give to it, it will give to you.

If you're interested in meditation and beyond, here are some good reads:

The Way of Liberation (eBook)

Buddha's Little Instruction Book (buy on amazon)

http://tinybuddha.com

~By Alex Henderson, Musical Theater '16
  & Justin Jaeger, Visual & Media Arts '18