Meditation is considered a tool to build internal energy, develop compassion, love, patience, generosity, and forgiveness. Meditation often involves an internal effort to self-regulate the mind in some way. In Raj yoga meditation the key component is knowing self and working on improving self. Without knowing who one is in real- the meditation is in vain. Once, this clarity is achieved that this meditation is done by my thoughts and not by my mouth or hands the practice gets easier. 

Acknowledging your own self as a soul is the hardest of a task because constantly reminding own- self that you are a soul becomes an ordeal. When at work or dealing with others, this consciousness completely dissolves with the role of the soul and this disconnect opens many doors for the ego to enter. While meditating one has to shut such doors and concentrate on oneself. Once this grand hurdle is crossed, connecting with God becomes like a child's play. In order to get into this soul conscious state , one has to re-enforce one's own self of being the purest form of this energy!