How (and why) to meditate

Why should we meditate?

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed, but our power to do so is increased.”
― Heber J. Grant

As president Grant stated our repetition of action increases our ability to do those actions. This means that the more we sin, the easier it is to sin, and, inversely, the more we listen to the spirit, the easier it is to listen to the spirit. Meditation is the act of being still and, in the Mormon context, listening for the spirit, even when the spirit has nothing in particular to say to us right now. Repeated meditation makes it so that the spirit can with ease enter into our lives whenever needed.

When we meditate we make room for Christ, giving Him a place from which He can teach us and instruct us.

Now a quick disclaimer; Meditation can be used to help in a wide variety of situations, but it is not a magical cure all. If you suffer from serious mental or physical problems, talk to a doctor, they kinda totally know what they're talking about. Doctors are Meditative Mormon Approved!

"I also approve of this seal...and like, taking your meds and junk."

Meditation Mechanics:

There are many ways to meditate and be mindful. I'll only discuss a few here and leave to comments open to you readers for other methods.
The fist thing you must understand is that, contrary to popular belief, meditation is not 'clearing you mind' and thinking about nothing. You can't do that. It's impossible. The human mind is always thinking, even when we sleep it keeps going and going and going. Meditation does not stop your brain from running, rather it directs it. Meditation can slow down the mind by placing it on a repetitive track. Or meditation can be used to focus on a single issue and idea, basically making the brain run to a specific place. Here are some particular ways to meditate.

1. Anchor Meditation. This method of meditation is, in my opinion, a basic exercise that all meditaters should use often. It involves thinking and focusing on a specific repetitive thing, such as your breath and using that as an anchor (see where I got the name? clever, huh?). Using your breath as an anchor is very convenient because you always breathe (hopefully). But it's not limited to focusing on breathing. You can focus on walking, you heart beat, music and so on. To do breathing meditation I recommend finding a quiet place to sit comfortably in (no need to do a crazy lotus position, just sit how you normally would in a chair, feet on the floor, hands in you lap and back straight) and focus on your breath. You can count breaths, think 'in' and 'out', or just feel how you body moves as you breath. Any time thoughts other than your breath enter your mind acknowledge them without judging them as good or bad and return your focus to your breath. I suggest you start out with short one to two minute sessions and eventually work up to ten, twenty, and thirty minute sessions.
2. Theme meditation. Basically this is pondering on a topic. As always find a quiet spot to sit comfortably. Begin to contemplate a topic of your choice. I recommend beginning with a prayer asking for the spirit to guide you thoughts. If your mind starts to stray from your topic, use your breath as a reminder of your topic. Focus on your breathing then transition back to your topic. From personal experience I have found this a very effective way of receiving answers to prayers. I actually have a really good story I'll have to share some time. Take as much time as you need for this.
3. Watching meditation. This one is a little difficult to describe in brief and I'll probably devote a whole post to it later. Like always, sit comfortably and use your breath as an anchor point. deliberately let your mind wander, but do so with out encouraging any of the thoughts. simply observe the thoughts as they enter your mind and eventually leave your mind. Do not judge them as good r bad, simply watch them. This is good for getting an idea of the state of your mind. Is it frantic? obsessed with a single topic? This form also helps you practice not feeding unwanted thoughts. 
4. Mantra. By far the easiest meditation and likely the most familiar. For a mantra meditation select a mantra (a short phrase or word) that gives you comfort or helps you do what is right. 'CTR' is basically a mantra and the church has encouraged it to be used as one so I'll use that as an example. When you find yourself in a situation where you feel tempted you may recite 'Choose the Right' to yourself as a reminder to behave properly. If you feel anxious you may choose a mantra like, 'Peace, be Still'. As a child I had a bad temper and when ever I got angry I used the word 'mellow' as a mantra t calm down. The use of mantras is another topic I plan to devote a whole post to in the future.

Let me know it the comments any other ways you meditate and any suggestions you have for others.

Namaste, y'all,

Michael