For some time now, I've been working on making meditation a daily practice. I mean, not only what I do with my classes, in front of my students. But what I do for me. Myself. Each day. Every day. Without fail.

And...some days, it works better than others. And you know what? That's fine. Because that's how it works. It works that way with asana as well - some days you feel as if everything's clicking on all cylinders, and others? Uttanasana (forward fold) doesn't even seem to work.

We work with what we're given every single day. If you're like me, you may have some physical challenges. Mine are pretty specific: arthritis in my back, hips and hands. There are days when I feel fantastic. I've slept well, I feel the energy - I actually FEEL it. Then there are other days. I haven't slept well, there's stress at "the day job," maybe I've even slept so deeply that I haven't moved much...which causes me to be stiff the next day.

My mind is like that (and so is yours, by the way). Some days, I can sit and breathe and meditate for 5 or 10 or 15 minutes (which is usually all the time I have). Other days, I'm lucky if I remember that I have a meditation practice at all.

My suggestion to you, in starting a meditation practice, is to take it easy on yourself. For your first session, set your timer for just a few minutes. Seriously, no longer than 5 minutes. And then sit. Breathe. Let what comes, come. If thoughts race (and they will), then that's what your meditation is for that day. If you get a moment of "calm" - then, great! That's what your meditation is for that day.

Studying with a teacher to help learn new techniques is a great step. Meditation is a great tool in your practice; finding the best technique for you will only enhance your practice.