Meditation, not only opens the mind, but also the heart and leads us into the core of our soul. It helps each of us to create balance and routine in our lives. When you bring the focus inwards, you become aware of all the clutter in the mind. Through meditation you can create stillness and calmness, and also learn proper breathing, how to control the senses and how to concentrate. 
Some advice to help with your meditation
  • start with proper breathing; slow and steady
  • make it a formal practice; use candles or burn incense
  • meditate with purpose
  • do not stress; frustration will creep up on you 
  • experiment with different meditations and different positions (sit, stand, lay down)
  • notice small adjustments; listen to your body
  • pick a specific room in your home; somewhere that you will not be disturbed 
  • read a book or some articles on meditation 
  • listen to an instructional cd
  • be grateful at the end
  • do it with a partner
  • meditate early in the morning or late in the evening; trying to do it at the same time each day
  • generate moments of awareness during the day
  • notice when your interest in the meditation starts to cease
  • be patient with yourself; in time you will get it!

Different Types of Meditation

BUDDHIST MEDITATION 
This form of meditation focuses on keeping the mind in the present or the now. Not in the past or in the future, only in the here and now. The Buddha says our mind is like a chain of reactions and desires. We must be content, with what we have and who we are. Being fully in the present moment, keeping the mind in the here and now, and keeping our attention and focus to our breath as we meditate.

ZAZEN MEDITATION
Also known as Zen Buddhism. A meditation of total concentration, where one experiences nothing, by counting each breath.
There must not be any disturbances or you have to start counting all over again. The goal is to experience emptiness in the mind. 

TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION
Transcendental meditation became famous in the 60's and 70's, when the Beatles started to meditate under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This certain meditation technique is about repeating a holy mantra, twice a day, morning and evening and for twenty minutes. 

VIPASSANA MEDITATION 
Vipassana meditation or insight meditation means one is able to 'really' see things as they are. During this wonderful meditation, negativity will disappear and there will be a calmness in the mind. Practice and patience is required, since there should be a focus on the breath and an understanding of the sensations of the body, without reacting to them. And after learning all these things, a deep love for all will reside in the heart and mind.
KABBALAH MEDITATION 
A type of meditation taught by Jewish leaders all over the world, in which these teachers believe meditation will bring one closer to God. There are several different meditations that they use.

MANTRA MEDITATION
This type of meditation is very powerful and effective because of the chanting. The sound that is produced is carried to the brain, allowing the busy mind to quiet down. 

SUFI MEDITATION
A meditation of the heart, or a devotion of pure love. By activating or clearing the heart chakra, the feeling of love and empathy will be brought to mind and also felt within the heart. This meditation is done in silence. 

DZOGHEN MEDITATION
This type of meditation is practiced by the Dalai Lama. There is no special breath, mantra, or levels of concentration used. It's considered a natural type of meditation, usually done with the eyes open. The main focus is realizing that everything you need to know is already inside of you.

CHAKRA MEDITATION
Chakra meditation works with the Chakras, the energy vortex within our bodies. This mediation is usually guided and done by imagining the energy spheres, their colors and their qualities. There are many Chakras all over the body, but the main seven are what usually worked with.