I have been doing this daily (actually twice daily) for the past 3 month now, and noticing big benefits. At first it was difficult to make the time to do this, but now that I am in the routine it is actually pretty easier - I just get up 30 mins earlier every to meditate for 20 mins in the morning, and just make sure I have 20 mins in the evening before I go to sleep - anyone can make time for this.
I am noticing that I am generally much more calm and happy having done my meditation - and this feeling is gradually building up as I do it more often. I imagine this will build over time.
I have missed a few sessions, and I certainly notice the difference when I don't do it - I find myself getting more affected / stressed by the world around me.
I am actually really enjoying doing this, I intend to continue meditating daily.

The other night I went to a Zen meditation class which was held in a venue near my work.
It was run by a monk, who took some time to show me the technique before I started. The posture is very important, and it involves sitting on a cushion with your legs in a lotus position (or cross legged if you are as unflexible as I am!). The back and next are held straight, but your shoulders and muscles relaxed. The eyes are kept open, and look down at a 45 degree angle - apparantly to prevent falling asleep or getting too consumed in thought. The idea is then to focus on your breathing - to notice your posture on your in-breath, and to let go of any tension on your out breath.
The practice lasted for an hour and a half, a long time to be sat there looking at a wall in front of me. Initially I found this difficult with so many thoughts going through my head, but I kept trying to bring back my thoughts and attention back to my breath and posture. Over time, my thoughts gradually came less, and I even felt moments of thoughtlessness, and at these times I felt a peace I can't describe. I did get distracted again and again, but each time it was easier to focus and clear my mind.
I really loved it, I came out feeling more relaxed and positive, and am already looking forward to going next week!
I will try some other styles, this was massively beneficial for me but I would like to see what the other styles offer before I commit to one.

I had read a lot about the benefits of meditation - there have been a lot of studies which have shown benefits ranging from reduced health, to increased creativity. I also had one or two friends who meditated regularly and claimed great benefits in their life, so I made a decision to try it out for myself.
I tried a few different styles, including Zen, Buddist, and most recently transcendental meditation (TM).
Since learning TM, I was encouraged that meditating daily was the only way to notice the full extent of the benefits. They suggest meditating twice a day for 20 minutes.
I started to do this just less than a year ago, and I have noticed many benefits in my life - I generally feel more relaxed and positive, and I feel my life is beginning to move in the right direction.
At first I was concerned that 20 mins twice a day was a big commitment, but once I built it into my routine it was far easier to fit in than I anticipated. Not only that, I was noticing good effects of doing it and I would feel much better everytime I did it. As a result I have missed few sessions since I started.
Although I have done this for a while, I want to continue to keep it as a goal going forward as I feel it is an important tool for my life.

Hey Susan!

I had exactly the same question about a year ago! I think the style that you do is really a matter of personal preference - I think all styles have the same goal and a very similar end result. I tried a couple of different styles including buddish and zen meditation (basically very controlled breathing techniques), and latterly transcendental meditation.

I think TM was a better stye for me as it was a lot more relaxed, and instead of focusing on a breath involves focusing on a mantra you are givien. Also, when learning TM I went to several dedicated classes for ky level where the instructor made time to answer all my questions - I found this more informative than other styles I tried. That said, I know a lot of people who love other styles of meditation, claiming great results.

My advice would be to find a few meditation classes in your area and try a variety of different styles until you find one which you feel is suited to you - then focus on doing that style of a daily basis.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your goal.

I have heard a lot about the benefits of meditating and would like to try it for myself. There seem to be quite a few meditation styles to choose from - does anyone have any recommendations on which one is the best?

I have been doing this daily (actually twice daily) for the past 3 month now, and noticing big benefits. At first it was difficult to make the time to do this, but now that I am in the routine it is actually pretty easier - I just get up 30 mins earlier every to meditate for 20 mins in the morning, and just make sure I have 20 mins in the evening before I go to sleep - anyone can make time for this.
I am noticing that I am generally much more calm and happy having done my meditation - and this feeling is gradually building up as I do it more often. I imagine this will build over time.
I have missed a few sessions, and I certainly notice the difference when I don't do it - I find myself getting more affected / stressed by the world around me.
I am actually really enjoying doing this, I intend to continue meditating daily.

The other night I went to a Zen meditation class which was held in a venue near my work.
It was run by a monk, who took some time to show me the technique before I started. The posture is very important, and it involves sitting on a cushion with your legs in a lotus position (or cross legged if you are as unflexible as I am!). The back and next are held straight, but your shoulders and muscles relaxed. The eyes are kept open, and look down at a 45 degree angle - apparantly to prevent falling asleep or getting too consumed in thought. The idea is then to focus on your breathing - to notice your posture on your in-breath, and to let go of any tension on your out breath.
The practice lasted for an hour and a half, a long time to be sat there looking at a wall in front of me. Initially I found this difficult with so many thoughts going through my head, but I kept trying to bring back my thoughts and attention back to my breath and posture. Over time, my thoughts gradually came less, and I even felt moments of thoughtlessness, and at these times I felt a peace I can't describe. I did get distracted again and again, but each time it was easier to focus and clear my mind.
I really loved it, I came out feeling more relaxed and positive, and am already looking forward to going next week!
I will try some other styles, this was massively beneficial for me but I would like to see what the other styles offer before I commit to one.

I had read a lot about the benefits of meditation - there have been a lot of studies which have shown benefits ranging from reduced health, to increased creativity. I also had one or two friends who meditated regularly and claimed great benefits in their life, so I made a decision to try it out for myself.
I tried a few different styles, including Zen, Buddist, and most recently transcendental meditation (TM).
Since learning TM, I was encouraged that meditating daily was the only way to notice the full extent of the benefits. They suggest meditating twice a day for 20 minutes.
I started to do this just less than a year ago, and I have noticed many benefits in my life - I generally feel more relaxed and positive, and I feel my life is beginning to move in the right direction.
At first I was concerned that 20 mins twice a day was a big commitment, but once I built it into my routine it was far easier to fit in than I anticipated. Not only that, I was noticing good effects of doing it and I would feel much better everytime I did it. As a result I have missed few sessions since I started.
Although I have done this for a while, I want to continue to keep it as a goal going forward as I feel it is an important tool for my life.

I have heard a lot about the benefits of meditating and would like to try it for myself. There seem to be quite a few meditation styles to choose from - does anyone have any recommendations on which one is the best?