i go to meditation classes a lot, and i always try to meditate on my own, but i never seem to achieve this feeling of peace. how can i do this?
As long as you try to achieve something, you will achieve nothing. There are many types of meditation, but the basic beginners' meditation, that all the others are based on, is mindfulness. It's not about achieving anything, but about being aware of what is going on, both externally and especially internally. So, just watch your breath or say your mantra, or whatever you have been taught, but just pay attention.
Its just a matter of concentration and practice, it takes a long time to be able to achieve the state of peace for most people. So just keep on trying and you'll get there some day. Just be patient with yourself.
like KeithBC start with mindfulness. Get comfortable in any position you'd like and pay close your eyes and pay attention to the things that go on around you without doing anything about it. Also pay attention to your breathe. Do not change your breathe in anyway just breathe regular and be aware of your breathe. Think of things that make you happy but still be aware of your surroundings. You can bring mindfulness into your everyday life by just being aware of things around you. I'm reading "The Miracle of Mindfulness" By. Thich Nhat Hanh its a great book if you want to learn more about mindfulness and how to achieve everyday mindfulness. It will help you with your meditations as well
