Ideally, you should meditate for 20 minutes twice a day, first thing in the morning and in the evening.
You can teach yourself from books and videos, but it is easier to learn from a practitioner.
You may find it difficult to bring the mind to stillness and the discipline of being in a group can be enormously beneficial.
Many people find that it helps to focus on an object, such as a candle, or to repeat a mantra over and over again, as an aid to preventing their mind from wandering.
Wear loose clothing and choose somewhere quiet to meditate.
If you think you be disturbed, unplug the telephone.
Try to develop the habit of meditating at a particular time, so that it becomes apart of your daily life, like brushing your teeth.
The cross legged lotus position is ideal, but you can also kneel with your feet tucked under your buttocks or sit astride some cushions.
If you feel uncomfortable on the floor, sit on an upright chair.
Your shoulders should be relaxed, sloping slightly downward and backward.
Your head should be drawn slightly back and your body weight should be directly over your hips.
Your back should be straight, as if there is a string through your head, raising you up.
Rest your hands lightly on your lap, with your thumbs touching, or on your thighs.
Breathe deeply, remembering to breathe from your abdomen, filling your lungs and concentrating on the breath flowing in through your nose.
Hold for a dew seconds when your lungs are full, then slowly exhale.
Repeat this step 10 times.