Are you curious about meditation? Do you want to know more about what it is? A person who is meditating focuses attention on something (perhaps in a quiet and private place) for up to an hour, and outside stresses become more distant for a while. It gets easier to see "the big picture." Over time it becomes easier to deal with life stresses. Most of us spend about 20 minutes focusing attention.

Meditators focus on three different kinds of things:

a) Some people focus on a phrase -- for example, "I am relaxed."
b) Some people focus on an object -- for example, a religious symbol or a candle.
c) Some people focus on breathing.

Try out mantra meditation. (Pick out a phrase or mantra before you start.)

1. Find a comfortable place to sit.
2. Sit so that your spine, neck and the back of your head are in a straight line.
3. You can sit in a chair.
4. Or you can sit on a cushion.
5. Get centered.
6. Say your phrase or mantra to yourself (not out loud). In fact, listen to it. Let it change (faster or slower).
7. If your attention shifts (it does, it does) gently shift back.

Try this for about 20 minutes.

4/22/98

Marianne Ross, Ph.D., is a Licensed Psychologist in private practice in Irvine and Laguna Beach, CA. (714) 497-3454). She also works at the University of California, Irvine. Counseling Center/College of Medicine.