For most of us, the idea of sitting on a hilltop for an hour is a lovely idea. The reality, however, is a far cry from that dream. Rarely do we have an hour. Rarer still is there an empty hilltop to sit and enjoy.

Perhaps it was realistic 3,000 years ago when meditation was first introduced, but today, nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is you have more stress in the first thirty minutes of your day, than someone did in an entire day 3,000 years ago.

The answer is not stressing about finding a quiet place to sit for two hours, or even twenty minutes. That is not necessarily the most effective way to meditate in today's world anyway.

The fact is that research is showing us that sitting for shorter periods of time more frequently actually produces better results for those seeking to reduce stress, find balance, and yes, even reach their inner calm.

So, the next time you feel anxiety or panic come on, or when you realize the trigger for your stress is going to be in that meeting coming up, sit for a short time.  Just three to five minutes will do.  Then take a very short break of maybe thirty to sixty seconds, and sit again.

Just be mindful of whatever it is you are doing during your break. Keep the rhythm of your breath going and try not to lose your natural ease. Smile to yourself as you sit again, and feel the joy in what you are doing.

What you will find is that taking short breaks like this will extend your meditation and create a living meditation within your world.  You will feel your life become richer and more inspiring than ever before.  It will help you mind the gap between your seated meditations and the very real life you live every day. It will also take the clumsy, irksome and solemn nature out of a more traditional practice.

Very quickly, you will find the barrier that once separated your meditation from your life disappear. Instead, the distractions that once undermined your work, and even your meditation, will fade away - leaving you in your natural state, free from the mind-chatter that once used to cause such dismay.

As I have often said, "A meditator may leave a proper meditation, but a proper meditation will never leave the meditator."

After all, it is YOUR life. Why not make it YOUR meditation?

Jeff Cannon is a Modern American Monk, and the author of numerous books on meditation, spirituality and wellness. He is a member of NYU Medical Center's Patient Advisory Council as well as a contributor to Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen and countless other blogs and websites.He has survived nine brain surgeries that removed more than 20 brain tumors. Following his last surgery, Jeff could not see, speak or stand. Over the years, he has watched his brain reboot itself again and again, giving Jeff a unique, first hand view into the inner-workings of the brain. It also stirred him to dedicate his life to integrate Western Science and Eastern Philosophy in a way that makes sense for the modern world. Learn more at www.simple-truth.com.