We begin by finding a position which is both comfortable and that allows us to stay alert. For this reason, a relaxed sitting pose can be preferable to lying prone (although there is nothing wrong with experimenting to find what works best for you).
Seek out any tension in the body and release it. Discover those places where you habitually keep tension. Common places are the eyes, jaw, shoulders, stomach, hands or lower pelvis. Feel each part of the body in turn. Is it tense? Release the tension, and then move on to the next part. Start at the head or the feet, it doesn’t matter — just be systematic in seeking out those places of tension and letting them go.
Spend anywhere from two to ten minutes doing this, and you will be ready for the next step in your practice.