Me neither! I can’t stop myself thinking pointless thoughts like what I ate for lunch yesterday, who I need to call today or what’s on TV later. Lord knows I’ve tried. I’ve tried CDs, I’ve tried sitting on the beach, I’ve tried laying down in a quiet corner, I’ve tried yoga-ing myself out – but my brain just won’t shut up!

Image: Beni Ishaque Luthor http://www.flickr.com/photos/b3ni/

Thing is, I’m determined to master it (and not just because I read Eat Pray Love). I’ve heard that when it’s done properly, meditation is like concentrated sleeping, can do wonders for your nervous system and is an incredibly powerful tool in being able to control your mind. Apparently. I’m yet to discover such benefits, but I’m willing to give it a red hot go.

So I’ve called on the power of a few materials from the cosmic star portal I like to call ‘the internet’ to assist my quest for inner peace and hope these things will help you too.

1. Morning Chakra medition – Solara An-Ra

Being a visual kinda gal, this one really works for me. You’ll be taken on a journey through the rainbow of the seven chakras and finish up connected to all living things on earth. I’m no fan of the term ‘new age’ but if there was ever going to be a time to use it, this would be it – but don’t be afraid, words like ‘aura’, ‘cosmic star portal’, ‘father sun’ and ‘tribe of planet earth’ are all part of the visualisation. There’s the sound of a gentle harp in the background and you’ll be guided by a female voice with a soothing british accent that has an uncanny resemblance to the voice in my GPS, but hey, if she navigates you to your desired destination of bliss, who’s complaining, right?

2. Meditation Oasis.com

Meditation guru, Mary Maddox, has embraced the age of technology with the creation of Podcasts, apps for iPhone and Android available from Meditation.com. The site is pretty handy with online courses and a learn how to meditate section. There’s a tonne of Podcasts available through iTunes – a few of my favourites include ‘Enhance your creativity’, ‘Nature attunement’, and ‘Effortless meditation’ where you try not to try to meditate (!).

3. Learn to Meditate – Meditation society of Australia

Don’t let the rudimentary website perturb you from the Meditation Society of Australia’s Learn to Meditate series available on CD and also as a Podcast on iTunes. Each podcasts begins with a detailed explanation of the theology and philosophy behind the topic at hand, followed by a walk through meditation complete with guided mantras, and a carefully selected popular song you might recognise with lyrics that match the theme. Absolutely golden.

About Ingrid Schroder

A Sydney-side freelance graphic designer, photographer & yoga teacher - I find myself turning to nature for guaranteed revival from the crazy pace of city life - be it digging in my garden, capturing natural beauty through a lens, floating in the ocean, practicing yoga or out exploring this incredible planet we all call home. Follow me on twitter @Cohabitaire