There are many different techniques on how to meditate properly.
You can find them in just about any metaphysical website out there, and you can find them free.
Here are some essential guidelines that you need to know in order to meditate, and these can be a baseline for just about any kind of meditation technique out there.
The first place you need to start with is the proper setting.
You need to find a space that is apart from your house.
This means setting aside a place in your bedroom, if you have a guest room that has a locking door, or any other quiet area where you aren't going to be disturbed.
This means no kids, spouse or pets, it is just you.
It has to be comfortable, but not so much that you fall asleep, because meditation is a different form of consciousness than sleep.
Some people sit on the floor, others have a chair they use.
The second thing that you need when meditating is time.
Some people meditate for ten minutes, others can go for thirty minutes to an hour.
Setting aside time is important, with no outside distractions, so you can focus your thoughts.
This means no distractions from family or pets.
Some people also use music or listen to recordings of waves breaking, waterfalls or others to keep them from hearing outside noises.
These are all good, as long as you are not concentrating on these sounds more than focusing on the task at hand.
For new people who are just starting out, fifteen minutes is ample time to start with.
While most people find that this comes with time, trying to relax before meditation is important.
Most people meditate first thing in the morning, so that the stresses of the day are not in their way.
Sometimes relaxing is easier in theory than in action, but the right breathing techniques can help you to relax faster.
Breathing in through your nose and out of your mouth in a controlled rhythm, concentrating on each breath out as your stress or worry being released.
Think about your muscles relaxing, then the rest of your body, then your mind.
Some say that posture is also a key part of meditation.
Some will tell you that the best posture for meditation is sitting down with your legs crossed and your back straight.
The biggest problem is that a lot of people have a hard time keeping that pose for a period of time, and they start concentrating more on keeping good posture instead of meditation.
Any sitting position that keeps you from slumping or getting so relaxed that you fall asleep is good.
Preparation is an important part of meditation as well.
It is a good idea that you don't eat a heavy meal before meditating, because this can make you feel lethargic.
On the other hand, if you are hungry, it is a good idea to have a light snack before meditating, because you don't want your stomach growling while you are trying to meditate.
Some people like to take a shower or hot bath before meditation, using this time to wash away some of the stresses over the course of the day.
You also want to wear some comfortable clothing, loose-fitting pants and shirt.
Some purchase a set of jogging pants and shirt, whatever you feel comfortable in.
These are just some of the essential guidelines to learn how to meditate properly.
There are many resources that can help you with more.