Could meditation be as simple as “being yourself?” I know so many folks that when you mention the word meditation, they roll back their eyes and see “gurus” that go into hour-long periods of silence. I too, would be rolling my eyes if I had to sit for “hours.” I confess, I know it’s good for me and yet I don’t meditate every day. Somehow I simply don’t find 10 minutes a day to take to be still. Don’t know why, just that I don’t. So here are 6 easy steps that you can follow, if like me, you haven’t made the choice to take 5 minutes (or more) to simply be still.

1. Make a commitment to meditate and make it a priority – bump it up on your list of “to dos.” Make it as important as brushing your teeth. We wouldn’t leave the house without brushing our teeth, so don’t leave home without meditating.

2. Schedule time to meditate. Write it in your appointment book if it will help you create a habit. Once you’ve created a new routine, then you can stop putting it in your book.

3. Do it daily and only do it for 5 minutes. More is wonderful if you have the time, but five minutes daily is more effective than doing it 30 minutes once a week.

4. Keep a small post-it note pad and pen beside you. Jot down any thoughts that float into your mind so you won’t forget them later. Things as little as “don’t forget to buy bread” can be distracting unless you let go of them by writing it down.

5. Use music as a cue for your body, mind and spirit to settle down and begin the meditation. Help yourself shift gears from “doing” to the process of “undoing” with meditation.

6. Focus on your breathing when you begin. Just notice your breath as you breathe in and breathe out. You can use this the entire time if you choose.

So start with the simple steps – or do whatever helps you get into the meditative state. It is an individual process and one that you can deepen as you do it daily. Most important. Enjoy your time, enjoy your space, and enjoy the quiet.

As for me — I think I’ll follow my own advice now and find my 5 minutes.