By Laura

It's important to be in the right state of mind before you begin meditating. Often people want to sit down and begin meditating immediately, with a calm, focused mind. I used to do this all the time. I would leave work as soon as possible, run to the bus and immediately sit down and play a meditation tape. I wanted to forget work, forget my stress and annoyance and hurry up and become mindful, calm and enlightened.

This approach didn't work. I was constantly frustrated and had unproductive meditations. I did some research and learned that by taking a few simple steps before beginning mediation, I could have a productive and fruitful sitting. My favorite lecturer on meditation, Gil Fronsdal, has a great metaphor. He says our mind is like beeswax. It needs to be held and warmed up before it can be molded. If you take cold beeswax and try to create something, the beeswax will break off into pieces. If you first warm it in your hands, soon it will be malleable and soft. The steps that you take before meditating are like warming your mind, creating the most optimal conditions for your practice.

Find the Best Time of Day

Some of us are morning people and some of us are night people. It may be beneficial for you to meditate during a certain part of the day. I have a hard time meditating at night, my mind is scattered and my body is tired. However at mid-morning my energy is just right. Try different times until you find parts of the day that work well for you. Don't settle on the first thing you try. Flow with the rhythms of your body and use it to your advantage.

Prepare Yourself for Meditation

As I said before, rushing into meditation because you're strapped for time or abruptly beginning meditation in order to be efficient isn't effective. Try some of the following exercises to prepare your mind and body to meditate. Try to be mindful and present while you complete the exercises. For example, if you're drinking tea, enjoy the tea, pay attention to it, contemplate the flavors, enjoy it's warmth, and notice how it feels in your body.

Get Dressed

• Wear clean, fresh clothes.
• Brush your teeth and hair.

Clean Up

• Do the dishes.
• Make your bed.
• Water your plants.
  

Relax Your Mind

• Look out the window.
• Listen to relaxing music.
• Drink tea.
• Read an inspirational passage or meaningful quote.
• Go for a walk to calm down or release energy.

It still amazes me how much these simple activities create such beneficial conditions for meditation. When I skip them, I always notice extra activity and unsettledness in my thoughts and body during meditation.