just a helpful hint...get a meditation timer if you can find one, so you don't peek at a clock. Also, don't be hard on yourself...a few minutes every day can go a long way...it's the everyday part that's super powerful.

Hi Allison, a few days ago another DS member recommended using an app called Calm. I have used the app for 2 days now. You can choose different background sounds. I love the rain falling on leaves. Also, the person speaking has a pleasant voice. I have tried many times to listen to guided meditations on YouTube, but don't get very far because I can't find someone with a voice that doesn't bug me. So, give it a try. Best of luck to you.

This is a straightforward description of it: http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/how-to-meditate

Guided meditations are also helpful: http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/mindfulness-meditation

It's good to hear that you're interested in meditation. It's very helpful if you give it time and are patient, because it is hard at first.

Let us know how it works out!

I'm no expert yet...still a beginner, but I like guided meditations to start.
Here's some free ones from UCLA.

http://marc.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=22

I have a hard time remaining focused. That's okay. Whenever your mind wanders, just come back to focusing on your breath.

But if that's too frustrating, you might look at a guided meditation. You can find them for free on You Tube or itunes, but these are my favorites: http://www.brainsync.com/guided-meditation-23428.html

Hi, I'm no good at meditating since everything got so busy and crazy in quick succession getting married and then getting pregnant, and then selling place and moving to bigger place and then having baby etc etc BUT when I first met my husband I was having good luck with Tara Brach's free guided meditations online. They are super simple but they help bring you back if you find your thoughts wandering, etc. Also she has some short 10 minute-isn ones so you can start small. :-)

Oh and I read "eight minute meditation" (or maybe five minute meditation, I can't remember) and a few other meditation books but never finished them -- I found jumping in to the guided online ones was better than reading about how cool meditation can be and then never actually doing it, haha. :-)

I'm loving the Calm app! Done my second one today,I love the background sounds too :-)
thanks very much wannaBeSmiley and everyone who replied, I'l get round to checking some of the other suggestions out later.

Guided Meditations by Mary Maddux at Meditation Oasis. com