How to Meditate: An Interview with Sharon Salzberg

There’s a myth that meditation is difficult—an esoteric practice that is hard to master and only available to a few enlightened people. But that’s simply not true.

Meditation can work for anyone. You don’t have to be religious, or own a special cushion, or be able to cross your legs in a classic “lotus” position (though all of these things are fine too!). Meditation accepts you as you are—so relax. With the right attitude and some discipline, you too can have access to the benefits of a regular mindfulness practice, including stress relief, lower blood pressure, better attention, decreased anxiety and depression, improved digestive function, and fewer problems with chronic pain.

Sharon Salzberg has been teaching and writing about meditation for over 40 years. She played a large role in bringing Asian meditation practices to the west in the 1970s, and her books—including Lovingkindness, Faith, and Real Happiness—explain how to incorporate the practice into your life in clear, friendly terms.

Watch the video below to hear Sharon explain the benefits of the practice and offer solutions for commonly encountered problems during meditation.