Thoughts on Meditating

I used to think meditating was just thinking about nothing. While it kind of is, what you get from it is control over your attention, and the understanding that you are not your thoughts. This impacts how I experience my day significantly. Sit cross legged with your back straight, and place your hands on your knees, palms facing upwards. Close your eyes, and breathe deeply. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Bring all of your attention to your breath. Naturally, a thought will eventually arise. Notice it, but do not follow it. Notice how it makes you feel, and allow that feeling to exist within you. Return your focus back to your breath. It is difficult. It is especially difficult because you will suddenly realize you have followed a thought train by accident and have forgotten about your breathing. When this happens, do not get frustrated, just return your attention to your breath. It's like working out a muscle. Each time you return your focus back to your breath is one rep. After enough reps, the time between random thoughts will get longer and longer. When I do this in the morning, it makes me feel really good and confident throughout the day, and for the following days after!