Meditation requires concentration at the expense of what’s going on inside your head. In fact, many people meditate quite unintentionally when they’re absorbed in a sport or hobby, or during physical endurance.

There is no secret to controlling your own thoughts. No one can put a thought in your head. All they can do is say something that gets you thinking, and even if no one is around to do that, you can guarantee that you’ll do it for yourself. So all you need do is reign-in the thought and stop it running amok in your head. Simple? Not so, because there are so many of them flying around that by the time you’ve got one under control another takes off. It’s better you don’t even begin trying to suppress them.

There are two types of thought; those that require you to answer and those that don’t, or more specifically, those that are formed out of words as opposed to those that are imagery. People who find difficulty in clearing their mind typically start off with one of those thoughts made of words like, “I’m not going to think about anything”, which in turn demands an answer to the question, “Have I stopped thinking yet?”  There are several ways to overcome this hurdle through imagery, like staring at a candle or Mandala (a concentric design), repeating the word "Om" or reciting a mantra (mystic words), but all of these are somewhat defeatist if all they do is divert your attention to a single overriding sensation. Emptying your mind involves removing yourself from every sensation as well as ignoring your thoughts. You’ll probably find this very difficult to achieve at first as your body is just one big telephone exchange manned by a very lonely switchboard operator who only wants to chat all day. But when you do achieve it you’ll find it very easy and rewarding.

Have you noticed that when you’re in a hurry to get somewhere it’s really quite easy to ignore the inane conversation of people around you, even if that conversation is directed at you? The place you want to be does not require reference to this reality. If you follow the advice of relaxation methods that start with “Imagine you’re on a sandy beach with clear blue sea and a few puffs of cloud in a sun-filled sky”, this image of paradise will eventually be shattered by the memory of a sexy night with someone you’ve never seen since or your worst holiday in a resort that resembled a building site. Where you need to go has no form because it’s just an escape, and not the temporary escape offered by sleep where you have absolutely no control.

Just remember, if you ignore the question the person doing the asking will give up, but if you answer they are going to ask another. Let their words fade into nothing. Don’t wait for the end of the sentence. Move on and the voices will cease.

In pursuing the void it’s essential to prevent as much outside interference as possible by creating an environment in which your senses detect the least amount of change.  So we'll start with the biggest organ of the body – your skin. Keep your clothes on as it will prevent your skin from detecting any changes in ambient temperature or movement of air.  Choose a room that is not too hot or cold and lounge in a comfortable position without crossing your arms or legs.  You’re brain associates sight with being awake, so don’t close your eyes to begin with or you’ll probably fall asleep.  Taste and smell are simple to avoid (unless you’re chewing a mint of course).  Remove yourself from outside noise or block your ears with cotton wool.  Breathe through an open and relaxed mouth – you’ll be less inclined to swallow, there’s less chance of smelling something, and when all you can hear is the sound of air rushing through your nose it sounds like a hurricane.  Make sure your head is not supported or you’re going to fall asleep. Then just stay in that position, with your eyes open, until you can’t really feel if your hands are touching anything. It will happen quite quickly. If you need to scratch, do so, and then start over.  When you don’t appear to be touching anything, close your eyes and ignore the questions that come into your head.

The peace and tranquility you experience when your brain finally realizes you're not answering its questions is so unnatural it’s a bit unnerving, especially the first time you attain this state. It’s so absolutely still you feel a strong desire to wiggle your fingers or open your eyes, but you won’t because you won’t want to spoil that moment. It’s difficult to hold onto as well. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself listening to, and answering a question – old habits die hard.  As with any discipline, the more you practice the easier it becomes and you’ll soon find yourself able to enter into this state wherever you are, regardless of the environment.  More importantly, you’ll want to.