Meditation is the practise of silencing the mind. If we can make our mind silent and stop our thoughts, this is real meditation. If we can silence the mind, we will discover an inner sense of peace and joy. This is inner happiness and inner peace is the aim of meditation.
Meditation is something that anybody can do. The only requirement is the willingness to try and practise on your own. Meditation is something to be practised and not just read about. Everybody has the capacity to meditate well; everyone is able to control their own thoughts. However, it may take time and perseverance.
Firstly, it is not an uncommon experience. The mind is filled with thoughts because we are so used to thinking and using the mind. When we try to stop the mind completely, the mind often rebels. However, if we persevere, we can learn to still the mind. Meditation teacher, Sri Chinmoy, advises meditating in the spiritual heart. If we throw our mind into the heart, it is much easier to learn to meditate.
"The mind has limits beyond which it cannot go without the help of the heart and soul. That is why I say that when the ordinary mind comes to the fore, you have to take it as a bundle of imperfection and throw it into the heart."
- Sri Chinmoy [1]
If we are just learning to meditate, 10 minutes, may be a good length to start. However, over time we should try to extend our period of meditation. The important thing though, is not the length of time, but the quality of our meditation. If we meditate for half an hour, but just sit with random thoughts going through our mind, this is not real meditation. It is better to meditate for 15 minutes with focus and intensity.
A good meditation involves raising our consciousness. If we have a good feeling for the world, if we have a sense of inner peace and inner happiness, then this is good meditation. Meditation enables us to feel sincerely happy, even if nobody is giving us things in the outer world. If we feel energised and inspired to do good things, this is also a good sign. However, don't be discouraged if you cannot meditate well in the beginning. If you feel compelled to meditate every day, this is a good sign that your soul is receiving something from your meditation.
Meditation is practised by people from different religions, no religion and different spiritual traditions. The philosophy you hold is not of primary importance; meditation involves going beyond the domain of the mind. Meditation is about consciousness not about mental belief's. People may approach meditation from different angles, but it leads towards the same goal of uplifting our consciousness and becoming aware of our extended reality.
[1] Mind Confusion and Heart Illumination by - Sri Chinmoy
Basic Steps to Learning Meditation
Practical tips to Improving Concentration
How To gain Control of Your Thoughts