I've been meditating for 45 years, most of them drugged and drunk but I've been clean for 23 years and sober 5+ months and staying strong. I can probably direct you in ways you want to go and resources available if you give me a little morew info. And yes it works for my sobriety and every phase of my life, personal, social, work, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Got to worn you I'm a Buddhist so bound to be a bit biased.

I've tried meditation in the past and find it extremely relaxing. There are some simple meditation techniques out there, I'll try to look them up.

Creepy old guy eh? What did this creep have to say? ha

I meditate, it is really not something that you need to spend too much time researching in the beginning atleast. Just, like they say, keep it simple. Here is my simple plan:

Every day in the evening I go to my room and sit in my bed, in a comfortable position. I light a candle and concentrate on my breathing. My goal is to focus inward, on the present, the here and now. Future and past is gone-not for now. Become still and at one with silence-or your breathing, in and out. Just relax. If it is difficult to stop the "noise" in your head, repeat the word "om" in your head.

I think that this practice can be initially anxiety creating and boring perhaps at the beginning-but just get through it. "boredom" has a lot of peace waiting for you on the other side. Finding the stillness within will be the most challenging task you can ever face, for silence is totally foreign to the condition of our minds. This will take persistent practice on your part.

I is possible if you are consistent and determined. Do this about 15 to 20 minutes a day.

Yeah, the creepy guy was on "ananda.org". You should watch the beginner's video for truly comedic value.:)

I use meditation shoes. Started in rehab with guided tapes. Didn't get it at first, would like there with one eye opened checking everyone else out. But 2nd time round, it was relaxing. I downloaded a couple off the internet and used them when I had cancer. Ha, my daughter and I would lie on the bed when I was hooked up to chemo, and she'd be asleep before it kicked off lol.

I'd also meditate just sitting at a cafe, and lose myself watching the world pass by (sigh). Meditation for me is also boxing. I find when I'm blasting the bag, there's absolutely nothing else going on in my mind. Feels great. Keep giving it a shot, you'll find something that works for you. CM xxx

I do it and it does have a huge impact on my life when I am in a routine of doing it.

Try looking at mindfulness meditation. It is a very simple technique of focusing on breathing. There are loads of resources available, both online and books, as it is a very old and popular practice.

There is a very good book and cd by Jack Kornfield called meditation for beginners which is a great introduction to this technique, I recommend it.

I had to learn how to meditate, it takes time to find what works for you. I know one guy who sits and stares at a spot on the wall alone in a room. Personaly Ilike the out doors early in the morning, I can hear the river, my heighbors dogs, a donkey braying and I watch the bats catch bugs by the yard light. Peacefulness is achieved and a clean mind helps to start the day.

For myself, I just kept it simple, went to the used book store and found a book on the subject...just trusting and relying , I found some interesting instruction and alot of wonderful reading material.... for quiet time...for me preceding meditation each morning.
Billy

I have tried several different kinds of meditation.Since you did not elaborate on meditation in your post,I`ll jump in with what I have done and do now.
I have used some Zen sitting and breathings meditation before.i have also used a phamplet called "How to listen to God" for about 5 yrs before.It slowed my mind down a lot.
Today here is what I do and I like to keep it simple.
I found a old definition of meditate out of a old dictionary and i suspect the early AA`s may have used it since it came from their time frame.

To sit and ponder,to turn things over in your mind,to look at from different angles.

so i open my big book up to page 86 and follow the instructions up to the end of the chapter,page 88.
I then sit and "ponder life today,like what is in front of me to do,opportunities to be of service to others family etc.I just find a quite place to sit and think it over for a while.I am in AA and that is what helps me a lot.
i am also a Church goer,and I sometimes then add a little Bible stuff with it to broaden my Spiritual life.
seek,and you will find