Hello, Becky: I thought that yours was both a fascinating and revealing question: sort of like asking for advice on how to slow down without slowing down. I am in complete agreement with Oron's answer as to the purpose and importance of meditation, and to approach it from a more pro-active (for lack of a better word!) viewpoint. In other words, think of it as something that will improve each day, rather than something to be crammed into a busy schedule. One ancient way to calm your mind, relax your body, and free yourself from stress is yoga. It's not a surprise that it has become so mainstream in the modern Western world - it is not difficult to learn, can be done in just a minute or two, and it has proven positive results. Yoga is a form of meditation that is simple, effective, and fits into even the busiest schedule. You don't even need to fit a yoga class into your week if you feel it's not do-able. Simple and effective yoga postures can be learned on your own with nothing more than a beginner book from the library. If you decide to try it, don't abandon your efforts until you've given yoga a good three or four week trial. It will take that long for your mind and body to relax into the experience. You may find that meditation can be accomplished more easily than you ever imagined and your physical body will be benefitting from this simple relaxation technique as well. We are, after all made up of both mind and body and we will be at our best when we take care of both. There are other ways to begin meditation, but yoga can be an easy introduction and can even grow with you if you decide that it's right for you. Best of luck in your very wise quest for a calmer, clearer self.