Meditation is incredibly beneficial. It is one of the best workouts you can give your mind. It directly improves your concentration and attention, which in turn improves everything from mood to memory. Any task that uses the brain (which is all task) benefits from regular meditation.

If you find it difficult to clear your mind, you are not alone. However, don’t use that as an excuse to give up. Difficult things matter: They filter out the noncommittals, leaving only those with enough elven discipline to proceed. Be grateful that it is difficult, otherwise no one would appreciate it.

However, don’t use difficulty as an excuse to fight. Meditation involves clearing your mind. It does not involve worrying about whether you are clearing your mind well enough. All it requires is that you simply be.

That is why I recommend concentrating on your breathing. It occupies your attention without inviting to think. Synchronize your mind and your body. There is also the benefit of relaxing. Just pay attention to your breathing and it tends to slow down and deepen. This puts you in a better state of mind for meditation.

And when you start to realize how interesting, attractive and subtle your breath can be, it changes the way you see the world. When your breath fascinates you, there is nothing in this world that falls below your attention.

There is another benefit of training your mind using your breath. This benefit supercharges what meditation does for you. Deepen and improve your practice, skipping years of study (if you are dedicated, of course).

Are you ready for this secret?

I’m serious. This will seem simple, but it is not. This will make the difference between being successful with your practice and giving up. If you take it seriously, you will begin to reap the full benefits almost immediately. Anyone who ignores this will have to spend years working to catch up with others.

Okay, the big secret is …

You can breathe anywhere. Your breath follows you.

Wasn’t I impressed?

You should be.

When you learn to use your breath to anchor your awareness, you will be able to meditate in traffic. Or while talking to someone. Or while writing. If you want to bring some calm, focus, or mindfulness to any task, you can use your breath.

You can even use it while struggling to meditate. If your mind keeps wandering, then focusing on your breathing will help. It is the best way to recover from the wanderings of your mind, whether you are meditating or living your normal life.