At the outset, whatever the form of meditation, you need to wear comfortable clothes and assume a sitting position. Either way, the spine should be vertical. Slow, rhythmic breathing is a necessity in all forms of meditation, although each approach has a different way of achieving this. This word or phrase is called a mantra. Many people prefer to keep their eyes closed during meditation, to avoid visual distractions and enhance concentration.
Some people use soothing music.
Try to stay as still as possible throughout the meditation period and let your attention, as much as possible, be passive. If you catch your mind wandering, try to refocus on the image or mantra you're using. Most people find that, as they gain practice, their random thoughts diminish, and the meditative state becomes more natural and instinctive. This is the most common form of meditation in the western world. It involves mental repetition of a mantra, usually a Sanskrit sound provided by the instructor.