Many people imagine meditation as complete stillness of the mind. They imagine sitting cross-legged or in the lotus position and chanting “Om.”

However, there are many ways to meditate. In fact, nearly any activity can be turned into a meditative act. The secret is in not trying to block all thoughts from entering, but rather to welcome them and let them pass. Do not hold on to any one particular thought. You are in your meditative state to relax, not to fight incoming thoughts. The important thing is to avoid obsessing over problems or worrying about negative thoughts.

Getting Started

Start by finding a comfortable place without any distractions. In other words, no telephone, television, children, or chores. (This can be a challenge, but it will be worth the trouble.) Make yourself comfortable. Begin by taking deep breaths, all the way into your abdomen. Feel how your stomach expands as you inhale. Now exhale. Let all of the air out. Empty your lungs completely.

There are several relaxation techniques you can use as well. Try tightening and relaxing each part of your body one at a time, from your feet to your forehead. You can imagine inhaling light and exhaling all negativities.

Traditional Tantric Meditation Technique

Tantric meditation takes this basic meditation technique and expands upon it. Through practice, the Tantric can enter into a state of complete relaxation. From there, Tantra teaches that she or he will become conscious of the life force within. The Tantric will direct this energy from the base of the spine, up to the neck, and finally to the forehead. Tantrics can then, with experience, direct that life energy out from the forehead and form a body of energy before him or her. The body of energy will become denser and expand until reaching human size.

This body of light, which is the representation of the person's consciousness, will then become the target of their love and devotion. After half an hour or so in the meditative state, the body of light will gradually become smaller and eventually return to the person's forehead and travel down the spine. This meditation is meant to be renewing for the practitioner. It awakens energies that lie untapped at the base of your spine, providing you with a new outlook on your surroundings, your relationships, and yourself.