Meditation is a process of focusing the mind. A daily practice sharpens focus, strengthens concentration, and brings about a peaceful state of mind.

Many people think that they cannot meditate because it involves hours of sitting. That kind of meditation is reserved for individuals that renounced the material world such as monks, ascetics, and some devoted lay people.

Starting with five minutes of meditation is best for beginners rather than jumping into anything long. Experiment with the different techniques below to discover a desired practice then build up to fifteen or thirty minutes.

• Anapana — focusing on the breath as it passes in and out of the nostrils.
• Vipassana — scanning the body from head to toe and back to head, becoming aware of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations that arise.
• Japa — using a 108-bead mala to chant a mantra or affirmation for each bead.
• Yoga Nidra — guided…