There's not one 'proper' way to meditate, but what you're describing is indeed the most basic, no-frills approach, and so far it's been my preferred form. That

There's not one 'proper' way to meditate, but what you're describing is indeed the most basic, no-frills approach, and so far it's been my preferred form. That said, even most basic teachings add a 'warmup' and 'cooldown' to the breathing part. I've been using the Headspace app and the core template always includes the following: - sit down comfortably, and use a soft focus on some point in front of you - breathe in and out a few times, audibly enough that someone sitting next to you would hear it - close your eyes and focus on the points of the body that connect with the chair/floor/whatever. - do a 'body scan' from the top of your head to your feet. As you do this, make note of tensions, as well as pleasant sensations, but don't dwell on them. - this body scan often leads to a more general awareness of how you're feeling physically and/or emotionally. Make note of that too, but once again don't dwell. - do the 'core part' that you describe - once you're done with this, basically do the earlier steps in reverse. - for bonus mindfulness practicing: think of what you want to do next, and practice maintaining the state of mind you're in (focus only on what you do now, rather than constantly being ahead of yourself in your mind) Personally, I've found the warmup to be crucial to my own meditation, and the cooldown to be very beneficial in 'maintaining' the calmness throughout the day.