How to Prepare for Meditation

Meditation is simple to do and doesn't require much equipment. You can, however, prepare yourself and your space in a few ways. What you may need are some basic amenities such as these:

• Meditation cushion, bench, or favorite chair

• Quiet, tidy spot, preferably reserved for meditation

• Regular time slot, if possible

• Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing

• Phone turned off, answering-machine volume turned down low

• Comfortable sitting position

• Favorite meditation technique(s)

Other items you may want to include are

• Stretches to prepare your body for sitting

• Altar of special objects, pictures, candles, or incense

• Warm sweater or shawl (if you tend to get cold)

• Hallway or path for walking meditation, if you want

• Meditation teacher to consult in case you get stuck or want to go deeper