There is great wisdom in using the natural tendency toward activity before meditating. Physical activity such a yoga or exercise, a chore, hike or bike ride release excess physical energy and focus the mind. Mental activities also can support and prepare one for a meditation session such as noticing, softening and opening into what one has noticed, then contemplating on what was freshly perceived.

Saying a prayer for others or all beings, setting one’s intention for the session aloud, saying mantra or such, calling in the Directions, Smudging, or making an offering are examples used by people and various traditions since the dawn of humanity, all of which set the tone, the energy, and set the mind-emotion complex to align, open, be reverent and quiet. Doing so is great wisdom.