Table 1.

Meditation practice: strategies for success

1. Start where you are; 5–10 min of daily practice can cultivate  mindful awareness. A reasonable goal is 15–20 min most days of  the week.

2. Choose a specific time each day. Developing a “discipline” is often  most successful if practice is done in the morning before the day  gets busy.

3. If you miss your morning practice, practice when you can during  the day.

4. Acknowledge that learning new behaviors is difficult and reward  yourself for your willingness to try and let go of criticizing yourself.

5. Choose a meditation activity that works for you and use a variety  depending on what you need: Focus on breathing while seated,  lying down or walking; progress to tai chi or yoga if you wish.