The stress and tension we normally experience come from our minds, and many of the problems we experience, including ill health, are caused or aggravated by this stress. Just by doing simple breathing meditation for ten or fifteen minutes each day, we can reduce this stress. The first stage of meditation is to stop distractions and make our mind clearer and more lucid. Find a comfortable meditation position with our eyes partially closed. The most important thing is to keep your back straight to prevent our mind from becoming sluggish or sleepy. Breathe naturally, preferably through the nostrils, without attempting to control our breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. We should try to concentrate on it to the exclusion of everything else. If we practice patiently in this way, gradually our distracting thoughts will subside, and we shall experience a sense of inner peace and relaxation.

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Kadampa Meditation Centre, www.meditateinwinnipeg.org