What is the best way to meditate?

While teaching me to be a Qigong instructor, Roger Jahnke, OMD, shared an anecdote that I have repeated many times in my classes. Even though it relates specifically to the practice of Qigong, I feel it applies equally to the practice of meditation which, by definition, is a type of Qigong.

In the past, Roger has led trips to China to give his students a chance to immerse themselves in the history and geography of Qigong.

On one of these trips, in an encounter with a Chinese master, an American student asked:

"What is the best form of Qigong?"

The master looked puzzled by the question and then answered:

"The one you do."

As with Qigong, there are many forms of meditation borne out of myriad traditions. You can study dozens of styles, all of which are designed to bring you to the same destination, but if you don't do it on a daily basis, it doesn't matter which one you think is best.

"Meditation is Bad for You!"

'Meditation is bad for you!'

Have you ever heard anyone say anything like this?

Probably not.

And you probably never will.



That's because it is easy to prove otherwise. Anyone who wants to know what meditation is, just has to do it. Both study and personal experience support the truth and power of this delicate practice. Meditation is the safest and simplest way to make you better at everything you do, and it may help you live a longer, happier life.

Then why don't we all do it?

After all, the science is in. Meditating daily physically changes the brain in a way that not only enhances health, but may be a factor in preventing illnesses associated with physical degeneration over time.

Our religious and moral codes also endorse mindfulness training - a.k.a. meditation, self-reflection, prayer - as a means to physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual improvement and fulfillment.

So why isn't it already part of everyone's everyday life?

We all know the multitude of answers to this question. All of them are excuses and none of them really matter. So instead of trying to answer this question, simply address the 'meditation deficiency' head on.

All it takes is to sit quietly with yourself for 22 minutes twice a day, just 44 minutes every 24 hours.

Consider this: It has been said that if every school-aged child in the world meditated every day, in a single generation the world would know a lasting global peace.

So what would happen if every child, teen and adult began meditating every day, beginning today?

Begin today and find out.