It can be helpful when first starting to meditate to create a small ritual, a gentle routine that begins to prepare you for what is to follow.

Without a separate space to use only for meditation (not many of us have the luxury of such a place!) choose a quiet, uncluttered space in the corner of a room, probably the bedroom, or in the garden, the garden shed even, decide then on candles /incense etc- these are not necessary- but one or both do seem to create an atmosphere, a gentle “shift” of energy, just be aware of the fire hazard ~ yes I know you’re a grown up but it had to be said!!! ~  If you like the idea of music then find something that will not distract you, if you play music it should be without lyrics as voices however beautiful will draw your attention from the meditation, there are cd’s that are simply sounds of nature, of the ocean, a little experimentation is helpful but whenever possible try before you buy ~~ wasting money isn’t an aid to meditation ~~ Choose a time when you are not tired or hurried and be patient/gentle with yourself, don’t give yourself a set time i.e. 10/20mins. Just sit in your sacred space and follow/focus on your breathing, just the natural rhythm of the breath, you may need to take a deep breath occasionally or even yawn don’t fight these impulses just go with the flow then return to the breath and it's natural rhythm. This is a simplistic method of starting meditation but after a  short time you will notice  subtle changes, you may feel you have been “away” somewhere and yet you also know how aware you were of everything around you, a neighbours dog barking, traffic sounds, voices or even next doors TV etc. etc.

This is one “activity” that requires little or no equipment, just regular practice, and the desire to feel more at peace with yourself and therefore the world around you. There can be of course much more to it, variations on a theme and all that but sometimes, in fact mostly, keeping it simple is the best, the attitude out there is “that if it ain’t hard, it ain’t worth it” is often a manufactured one so keep it simple

Prepare with your chosen ritual, see above, give yourself a few moments to relax and to gently slip into your natural breathing rhythm, close your eyes and now begin to feel a gentle wave of energy beginning to flow, it begins from just above your head, it goes down and through your entire body and energy field (aura), exiting through the soles of your feet, as one cycle ends so another begins, see/sense or feel this energy as a bright white light, intend that this flowing loving light removes anything negative within you including your aura taking it again down and out through the soles of your feet, sit for a while enjoying this cleansing until your energy fields begin to feel lighter, brighter, then give thanks to Mother Earth for taking and transmuting this negativity for you. Now slowly begin once more to be aware of your breathing then extend that awareness to your physical body, the chair you are sitting on, then when you are ready take a deep breath count to three before you ~ very slowly ~ open your eyes.

Blessings - Purpleraze