By Leo Babauta

The most important habit Ive formed in the last 10 years of forming habits is meditation. Hands down, bar none.

Meditation has helped me to form all my other habits, its helped me to become more peaceful, more focused, less worried about discomfort, more appreciative and attentive to everything in my life. Im far from perfect, but it has helped me come a long way.

Probably most importantly, it has helped me understand my own mind. Before I started meditating, I never thought about what was going on inside my head it would just happen, and I would follow its commands like an automaton. These days, all of that still happens, but more and more, I am aware of whats going on. I can make a choice about whether to follow the commands. I understand myself better (not completely, but better), and that has given me increased flexibility and freedom.

So I highly recommend this habit. And while Im not saying its easy, you can start small and get better and better as you practice. Dont expect to be good at first thats why its called practice!

These tips arent aimed at helping you to become an expert they should help you get started and keep going. You dont have to implement them all at once try a few, come back to this article, try one or two more.

Meditation isnt always easy or even peaceful. But it has truly amazing benefits, and you can start today, and continue for the rest of your life.

If youd like help with mindfulness, check out my new Zen Habits Beginners Guide to Mindfulness short ebook.

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Meditation - Zen Habits