(reposted from the Huffington Post)<\/p><\/div>\n

Life can be so overwhelming. We can get distracted, confused, and overwhelmed by the sheer volume of it. We are bombarded with information and stimulation. We are trying so hard to make money, raise kids, be a good person; we end up getting over-stimulated, over-amped, and finally overwhelmed!<\/p>\n

What we are really looking for, though, is meaning self-love and understanding. We are looking for a way to get back to ourselves \u2014 to that part of us that is sacred<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The fastest, most direct route to self-awareness and learning to truly love yourself, is meditation. Meditation takes us straight to our true selves. It teaches us about forgiveness, compassion and acceptance. Meditation reconnects us. It awakens that part of ourselves that is pure presence<\/em>. When we meditate we have the actual experience of inner peace and a deep inner calm. We learn to authentically love \u2014 everyone \u2014 including ourselves.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s simple to mediate. You can try it right now.<\/p>\n

First, make yourself comfortable.
\nRelax your attention a bit . . . even as you\u2019re reading these words.
\nSimply, let your attention become softer.
\nThen, take a deep breath.
\nNotice if it\u2019s full, or shallow, or held.
\nAs you continue to observe your breath, notice if it feels stressed or calm.
\nNow, take another deep breath \u2014 through your nose.
\nExhale slowly . . .
\nNotice how you feel.
\nLet your body relax.
\nLet your mind relax.
\nThen, take another deep breath
\nand relax even more . . .<\/p>\n

You see? In just a few conscious breaths you can begin to change your state of mind. Even in this very short exercise you can get a feeling of what it\u2019s like to meditate.<\/p>\n

Within a meditation many things can happen: insights, understanding, forgiveness, resolution, and inspired ideas, all from this simple process.<\/p>\n

There are no rules for meditation. The only thing to focus on is being present. When you are meditating, you are allowing yourself room for stillness and reflection \u2014 a vacation from the rushed flow of daily life.<\/p>\n

By meditating we discover our most true and authentic self. When we meditate we begin to feel calm and sure. We begin to feel guided in every moment. Meditation connects us to our higher knowing. We begin to know<\/em> the love that is all around us \u2014 all the time<\/em>. We realize that we are worthy beyond measure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Meditation connects the soul to the self, and by meditating we are building a conscious bridge. Inside this sacred container there is a whole new world. You\u2019ll come to discover that your inner world is as rich as your outer world is!<\/p>\n

By meditating you are sending out a signal that you want to connect, that you want to open your heart to the universe and receive all of its gifts. There is no rush. Meditation is a healing process. It is supreme love in action.<\/p>\n

Meditation is a return to love. It will teach you to respect yourself, forgive yourself, and finally love yourself.<\/strong> It creates a clear path to real peace and happiness. The place to start is exactly where you are – as you are. And the time to start is . . . now.<\/p>\n

Diana Lang is a spiritual teacher and author of OPENING TO MEDITATION \u2014 www.DianaLang.com <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Follow Diana Lang on Twitter: www.twitter.com\/Diana Lang<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n