Meditation

I have been getting back into a daily meditation and I must say that it has been rewarding, even if it is for the calm that I feel for quite awhile after wards. Many people have said that they have trouble with meditation because they can't get rid of the mind chatter. I must say that this has been a problem with me as well getting back into the routine.
I thought that I would share some of the techniques that I have used to overcome the chatter and get back into the quiet space that meditation brings.
First, I find that it helps to pick a time that you know that you won't be interrupted. Unplug the phone or change the ring to o if you have an answering machine that allows you to do that. If you can use the same time every day that would help.
Second, light a candle. Sometimes it helps to do an open eyed meditation and focus on the candle. By doing this you can drown out some of the chatter and discern what is chatter and what is useful.
Third, sit in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the floor if you don't sit in the lotus position on the floor. Me, I use the chair as I have trouble with the floor. Be comfortable. There is nothing worse than trying to meditate and you are sitting in an uncomfortable position or you have a pinch in your waist from your pants, or you are in a draft. You get the gist.
Fourth, play some nice quiet instrumental music, or you could use a guided meditation tape or CD. These help you stay focused and as you progress with your ability to let go, you sometimes will go off and not even follow the tape. That is fine if you find yourself wandering through the meditation after all, it is about letting go and allowing the body to relax and release.
Fifth, some find that using a small Native hand drum and beating out the heart beat rhythm is helpful in allowing them to journey in a meditation.
Try these techniques and see if they work for you. They have for me.