Myself:
I meditate at least once a day, for about 15 mins. I tried few guided meditations and then learnt a technique that requires no external guidance/input. Along with breathing techniques and a bit of Yoga, I found the combination to be deeply relaxing and energizing.
Few times a year, I volunteer in high schools and teach these techniques (Yoga, breathing and meditation) to teenagers. It's mostly in schools that are low income and a bit rough neighborhoods. I have personally seen kids get a lot out of meditation.
Method:
There are many meditation methods (mindfulness being one). The one that I practice loosely follows these principles:
1) The art of not _doing_ anything is meditation. There is no control over which thought enters our mind. But we can choose not to chase those thoughts. Catch ourselves if we do and drop it.
2) There is continuous input to the mind (through senses) throughout the day. This has happened, may be, since we were a kid. Meditation is giving rest to all these senses. That in itself saves lot of energy. Initially, it not easy. Hence, a guided meditation helps. But after some practice, one can learn a technique.
Benefits:
1) Meditation is deeply relaxing experience. After a long day and tiring day, 10-15 mins of meditation makes me fresh and ready for next set of tasks.
2) Minor health niggles (headaches, body pains etc) have all reduced or gone after 15 mins meditation. When body gets deep rest, it has capacity to recover/heal.
Time/Location:
- I did meditation in airport lounge, in my car (parked), city bus and almost all places where I can sit upright.
Resources:
- If you live in SF Bay Area, I recommend this: http://calmeditates.org/
- Try this app. My friends highly recommend it: http://www.sattva.life/