There are two main types of meditation: concentration and observation. Some of the commenters have referred to the former when they discuss focussing on breath. Observation meditation (Vipassana) is about becoming very aware of what is happening to you and around you.
I learnt the Vipassana technique by attending a free 10-day course run by S.N. Goenka. The course began with the basics and moved on to more advanced techniques. It had a full timetable of activities and asked participants maintain silence. This structure was incredibly helpful in making progress in learning the technique and seeing immediate benefits. For example on the first day I was barely able to concentrate for 1-2 minutes before my thoughts shifted, but by the end I could sit for 1 full hour without moving or losing focus.
The course is run according to a Buddhist technique but is not religious in nature (in fact they ask all participants to remove any religious identifications prior to the course). There is a daily talk about the spirituality behind Vipassana but there is no imposition of any religious practice.
I had received recommendations from friends for it and now I highly recommend it as a really solid way to learn the technique. It's definitely intense but totally worth it.
There is more information at http://www.dhamma.org/ but I'm also happy to answer questions. Email in my profile
I learnt the Vipassana technique by attending a free 10-day course run by S.N. Goenka. The course began with the basics and moved on to more advanced techniques. It had a full timetable of activities and asked participants maintain silence. This structure was incredibly helpful in making progress in learning the technique and seeing immediate benefits. For example on the first day I was barely able to concentrate for 1-2 minutes before my thoughts shifted, but by the end I could sit for 1 full hour without moving or losing focus.
The course is run according to a Buddhist technique but is not religious in nature (in fact they ask all participants to remove any religious identifications prior to the course). There is a daily talk about the spirituality behind Vipassana but there is no imposition of any religious practice.
I had received recommendations from friends for it and now I highly recommend it as a really solid way to learn the technique. It's definitely intense but totally worth it.
There is more information at http://www.dhamma.org/ but I'm also happy to answer questions. Email in my profile