by Louise L. Hay.

It only takes a moment or two, several times a day, to allow the body to let go and relax. At any moment, you can close your eyes and take two or three deep breaths and release whatever tension you may be carrying. If you have more time, sit or lie down quietly, and talk your body into complete relaxation. Say silently to yourself: "My toes are relaxing, my feet are relaxing, my ankles are letting go," and so on, working all the way up your body. Or, you may begin with your head and work down.

At the end of this simple exercise, you'll feel peaceful and calm for a while. Repeating this process on a regular basis can create a peaceful state within you. This is a very positive, physical meditation that you can do anywhere.

As a society, we've made meditation into something mysterious and difficult to achieve, yet meditation is one of the oldest and simplest processes we can do. Yes, we can make it complicated with specialized breathing and ritualized mantras. Those meditations are fine for advanced students. Still, everyone can meditate now; it's easy.

All we have to do is to sit or lie down quietly, close our eyes, and take a few deep breaths. The body will automatically relax; we don't have to do anything to force it. We can repeat the words healing or peace or love, or anything that's meaningful to us. We could even say, "I love myself" or "All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. Out of this situation only good will come. I am safe." We can say silently, "What is it I need to know?" or "I am willing to learn." Then just be there quietly.

Answers may come immediately or in a day or two. Don't feel rushed. Allow things to unfold naturally. Remember that it's the nature of the mind to think; you will never completely rid yourself of dashing thoughts. Allow them to flow. You might notice, "Oh, now I'm thinking fear thoughts or anger thoughts or disaster thoughts or whatever." Don't give these thoughts importance; just let them pass through your mind like soft clouds on a summer sky.

Some say that uncrossing your legs and arms and sitting upright with a straight spine will improve the quality of the meditation. Maybe so. Do it if you can. What's important is to meditate on a regular basis. The practice of meditation is cumulative: The more regularly you do it, the more your body and mind respond to the benefits of relaxation -- and the quicker you may get your answers.

Another easy method of meditation is to simply count your breaths as you sit quietly with your eyes closed. Count "one" on the inhale, "two" on the exhale, "three" on the inhale, and so on, counting your breath from one to ten. When you exhale on ten, just begin again at one. If your mind wanders and you find yourself counting up to 18 or 30, merely bring yourself back to one. If you find that you're fretting about your doctor or your job or your kids or about making a shopping list, simply bring yourself back to the count of one.

You can't meditate incorrectly. Any starting point is perfect for you. You can find books that will teach you several methods. You can also find classes that will give you the experience of meditating with others. Begin anywhere. Allow meditation to become a habit.

If you're new to meditation, I would suggest that you begin with only five minutes at a time. People who immediately do 20 or 30 minutes can get bored and skip it entirely. Five minutes once or twice a day is a good beginning. If you can do it at the same time every day, the body begins to look forward to it. Meditation gives you small periods of rest that are beneficial to the healing of your emotions and body.

You see, we all have tremendous wisdom within us. We have all the answers to all the questions we shall ever ask inside of us.

You have no idea how wise you are. You can take care of yourself. You do have the answers you need. Get connected. You will feel safer and more powerful.