When learning to meditate, it is important to try different meditation techniques, some will work better for you than others. For example different techniques may involve breathing exercises, visualisations and exercises of concentration. However it is important to bear in mind that meditation is not just a mechanical process. In meditation what is important is the ability to be receptive to the silence of the soul. To have more successful meditation we can try to increase our receptivity through various things.

Firstly the environment of our meditation is important. To meditate we should ideally choose a certain room or sanctified corner which we can use just for meditation. This will help create a meditative vibration. If we meditate in a busy place like a bus it will be very difficult to feel this meditative peace.

Using objects like candles and beautiful flowers can also inspire us. A candle is particularly symbolic; the flame represents our aspiration, our yearning for something higher. A flame also represents light, which is a spiritual quality of meditation. When we see a beautiful flower it also helps raise our consciousness. For meditation it is also advisable to shower before and wear light, clean clothes. All these aspects are not essential to meditation but they do help and are particularly helpful for a beginner.

Meditation is a dynamic activity, it is not just about relaxation. As Sri Chinmoy says:

Meditation is silence, energizing and fulfilling. Silence is the eloquent expression of the inexpressible.

To be receptive in meditation it is important to be fully awake and alert. For this reason it is advisable not to eat a heavy meal 2 hours prior to meditation. If we eat a meal the body will be more lethargic because it is digesting the meal. We can increase our receptivity during meditation by cultivating a feeling of gratitude. When we have a feeling of gratitude it means we value our meditation and therefore we will give it our focused attention.

In meditation we seek to go beyond the mind, we are using the energy of our heart and soul. Therefore to be receptive in meditation we should not use the mind. In particular the mind can be distracting when it expects a certain experience. If we expect a certain outcome we will be disappointed. It is also the case that the mind cannot comprehend the real effects of meditation because it is something that is not easily expressed.

Music can play a vital role in creating the right environment for meditation. Soulful spiritual music creates the right vibration and consciousness. Our heart naturally responds to soul-stirring music. Meditative music can make us aware of a hidden reality deep within side ourselves. Thus we will aspire with great intensity, our meditation will have more concentration and one pointed ness.

If we cannot meditate well in the beginning we should not be discouraged. Through practise we can develop our receptivity and enable a more fruitful meditation.