To put yourself into a state of mind that can lead to real rest, give yourself a chance to let your mind wander. This is not a meditation at all in any formal sense. To do it, sit or lie down comfortably when you can be alone and uninterrupted for an hour. Turn lights down or off and eliminate outside noises and distractions. Close your eyes and let yourself experience the silence around you. Don’t try to focus on any one thought or idea—this isn’t mantra meditation. Breathe in a way that’s comfortable. You can consciously slow your breath down to aid in relaxation, but don’t turn it into a struggle. As you do this, let your mind wander wherever it wants to go, like a puppy let outside for an airing. Follow it if you wish, see what interests it, but make no judgments. Don’t push or move your mind in any particular direction. Let it go where it wants. That is the key here. So much meditation tries to harness the mind, tether it like a goat on a rope as bait for large game. Don’t do that. As your mind is given the freedom to roam here and there, to play at will, it will lead you to your place of rest.