We don’t choose what life throw at us, but we can choose how we react to it. Many spiritual guides preach something like this, and my own experiences show me that it is true. The reactions to events of life are what define us. So we must learn how to observe our own reactions to these events, that way learning about ourselves and our reactions, including our thoughts, behaviors, emotions, well being and inner peace.
It all comes down to be able to observe your own self, and this ability is called awareness.
Meditation, on the other hand, main premise is to train your ability to observe. That are several ways meditate, with breathing, walking, sitting, and many others, but what they all have in common is the awareness and ability to observe. I particularly have been practicing Vipassana, which is the practice to become aware of your own breathing as means of meditation. I apply that a lot always when Rock Climbing, practicing sports or anything that requires me to be aware.
The mentality is to accept the cards you are dealt in life, and play the game with inner peace and being aware. The mind is always trying to solve problems, and the ability to leave things as they are is an active skill that needs to be developed in order to tell the mind to relax and enjoy the ride.
One of the keys to mediation is to stop expecting something. Once you are able to observe your breathing without any expectation, and to enjoy and be grateful to be aware of your breathing; Inner peace, calm and clarity might increase. It makes sense: You will relax, brain full of oxygen, and with care, empathy and care, direct your mind to relax. Treat yourself like someone you love.
The breathing awareness is a way to redirect the energy of the mind to breath awareness. You can count as well, at first, if needed to bring calm to the mind.
Once the mind is calm, actively search within a feeling of good, positivity, value, respect, and stay within that feeling. That is beyond your ego. Visualization of positive energy within you is also made easier when during meditation.
That’s it. Start observe how your own self is affected through events of life, and what is needed to achieve the ultimate goal: inner peace, calm, gratitude, and a sense of well being, which reflects on good health.