If one wants to be successful in meditation, one must understand that it is an ongoing process. It is a discipline, just as physical exercise, that reaps benefits only from concentrated and continual effort. Meditation needs to be cultivated; and a dedicated practice is essential. That being said, just like exercise, some is better than none. A student may start with small increments and gradually increase his/her practice with time.
There are many different types of meditation. Each individual has a unique experience with each one. One example is that of a witness meditation. In a witness meditation, the individual will only observe how the mind/body is reacting in the silence, without judgments. The individual will allow the mind to lead them in the meditation, as they quietly follow. Anytime the mind wanders off, and it will, the individual would recognize the mind wandering and gently bring it back to the moment and the silence. Some other examples are following the breath, repeating a mantra, or gazing at a candle. The important thing is just that the individual sit down to do it, no matter what comes up or how the experience plays out. If one just keeps coming back to practice, results will begin to present themselves.
