It's easy to get started with meditation—in spite of what many may say.

The reasons to meditate are endless, but here are the first two benefits you'll have today:

• Relaxation

• Improved focus

It doesn't need to be more complicated. Unfortunately, many people muddy the waters.

To Get Started Meditating, Release Your Expectations

No one meditates perfectly. Some days will be harder than others. Here are a few other things to keep in mind as you begin:

• Just because your mind wanders doesn't mean you "suck." This is normal.
• You need literally nothing to get started.
• You don't need to start out meditating for long periods. Start with 1 minute.
• You don't need any props to begin. Sit or lay down—it doesn't matter how you do it, just that you do it.

You can start meditating on a break, in your car, with nothing more than a spare minute to focus on your breathing.

First, Make Meditation a Habit By Starting Small

In order to create a habit that will stick, start small. You want to increase your meditation skillset as you get more comfortable.

Find a place where you can sit for one minute, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Don't become involved with thoughts as they come. Just acknowledge them and continue focusing on breathing in and out.

Focus On Your Breathing

Humans tend to over-complicate everything. Breathing is simple.

Simply noticing your inhales & exhales will make you react by trying to change your breath. You don't need to change the rhythm of your breathing unless you want to. The goal here is simply to focus!

Now That You're Focused, Slow Your Breathing

You're probably halfway done with your first minute of meditation.

Now try to slow your inhales and exhales. When ready, open your eyes.

You did it! Yay, you!

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