Meditation - Training of Attention

We have heard it all before but it never hurts to be reminded:

Meditate  |  by Rick Hanson Meditation is to the mind what aerobic exercise is to the body. Like exercise, there are many good ways to do it and you can find the one that suits you best.  Meditation is the quintessential training of attention. Since attention is like a vacuum cleaner – sucking its contents into your brain through what’s called “experience-dependent neuroplasticity” – getting better control of your attention is the foundation of changing your brain, and thus your life, for the better. Tips: 1. Relax. Rest. Intend to meditate. 2. Find something to anchor attention, such as the sensations of breathing, a word or phrase (e.g., “peace”), or an image. 3. Start by giving attention fully to the anchor, letting go of everything else. 4. Then, with an ongoing awareness of your “anchor,” let your attention widen to include your body, thoughts, feelings and overall atmosphere of your mind. 5. Gently open to relaxing and quieting and breathing in peace. 6. Meditate for as long as you like. Even one minute is good – and ten, twenty, or even forty-five minutes could be even better.