Meditation is described as a group of techniques, with many having their origins in Eastern religious or spiritual traditions. Today, many people use meditation for well-being and health purposes.
To meditate, a person focuses attention on his or her breathing. Some people may repeat a word, sound or phrase to let go of thoughts that usually occupy the conscious mind. In one meditation exercise, the goal is to bring attention to the flow of the breath in and out of the body. By focusing on what’s happening in the present, without reacting to it, or making judgements about it, one may have a more balanced response to the emotions and feelings of daily life.
Incorporating meditation into life has been shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Meditation is used to help treat anxiety, pain, depression, stress and insomnia. There are many types of meditation, including breath meditation, mindfulness meditation and visualization. You may want to try a class, to see if one technique works best for you…… Mayo Clinic Guide to Alternative Medicine 2013