It’s now time to try something slightly harder: it’s time to learn to “quiet the mind”. We live in a crazy world. We think about things a whole lot. It’s because like our primitive ancestors, we are constantly thinking about food and drink, shelter, love. But these thoughts worry us. It is essential that we don’t think about these things if we are to rid ourselves from anxiety. Here’s an exercise that will help quiet the mind and stop distracting thoughts.

Pick an object. Say, the TV in the corner of your room, the computer screen on your desk, your cell phone. Stare at the object. That’s it, just stare. It’s harder than it looks but you’ll soon get the hang of it. Each day try staring at the object for a little longer. On the first day, try staring for 1 minute. On the second, for two minutes and so forth. After a month, you’ll be able to stare for a whole half hour. After a year, you’ll be able to stare at the object for 6 hours straight without having to think about it. Amazing, isn’t it?

Now go to STEP 6