The first Breathing Space lesson is available here, free. It will introduce you to a simple meditation practice. You can browse it from the site or, if you prefer, download an RTF text version, which is easier to print.

After the lesson you should be able to:

• choose an appropriate time and place to practice
• sit in an alert but relaxed posture
• find and release bodily tension
• focus on your breath using the counting method
• deal with distracting thoughts
• plan to practise.

It will take you about half an hour at the most to read the instructions. That's the easy bit!

After that you need to practise. If you want to get anything out of it, you really need to commit yourself to practise for around 15 minutes, five times a week. It's all about building (good) habits. There isn't really a point at which you can stop and say you're finished learning - there's really very little to 'know', and everything to do!

I plan to start an online course in August 2000. This would offer personal email support. Interested?