How do I speak with my spirit guide?

Dear Nikki,
How do I speak with my spirit guide?
– Julie Horne

Dear Horne,
Sit up as straight as you can in your chair. Tuck in the bottom of your spine against the back with both feet squarely on the ground or on a foot  stool, if your legs don’t reach. Place your palms down, one on each thigh.
Close your eyes, take three deep breathes counting in...two...three,  hold...two...three, out...two...three, three times. You should now feel very relaxed.
It can be relaxing to play a little classical instrumental music in the background while you meditate – which is what you will be doing.
Now imagine that a shaft of light has appeared in front of you, going from  the floor up to the ceiling and beyond. Picture in your mind's eye that you get up from your chair and walk into that light which is warm and welcoming and peaceful.
When you are in the shaft of light, it is just like being in a lift. A very nice lift, and you feel yourself gently lifted up and you know that you are going up outside the place where you were sitting.
As the lift stops, the door opens onto a lovely country scene and you step out onto a meadow of luscious green grass with beautiful flowers dotted  amongst it. Do not worry about getting back because the door of the lift shaft will remain open until it's time for you to re-embark on your return  journey. There is a path which leads to some shady trees under which there is a bench. You can walk along this path enjoying the pleasant weather, perhaps hearing a bird song, the rippling of a little brook and perhaps the happy voices  of children playing in the distance.
Sit down on that bench for a little while in enjoyment of just being there. It may be that a guide, a helper, or a loved one may come and join you on the bench, but just sit there and feel good for a few minutes, then it will be time to return.
You must always return the same way as you went, without exception. Walk down the path back towards the light. You will see the open door of the lift. Step back inside and the door will close and you are once more enveloped in  the light. Feel yourself then gently moving back down through the roof of the  place that you started out from until you know that you are down and once more in the room where you began your journey. Walk out of the light and sit back in your chair. Become aware of your physical body once more. When you can, feel the weight of your body in the  chair, move your fingers, wiggle your toes, get the circulation going again and open your eyes. Take a sip of water.
Repeat this exercise as often as you wish, you may be joined on the bench by a guide, a helper, or a loved one who has passed over.