In its simplest form, MEDITATION is nothing more than allowing the mind to be lulled by a simple repetitive sensation - waves lapping on the beach, the tinkling of a fountain, repeating a word or sound over and over again. Meditation is neither a time consuming process ( 30 minutes a day are all that is needed), nor is it a form of self-hypnosis. Practiced properly, it is a life enhancing voyage during which preconceived opinions and ideas fade, the senses and the intellect are refined, and the ability to concentrate is increased. Its benefits quickly become apparent, and those who practice it often say that the day they first took to meditation on a regular basis was a watershed in their lives.

The various techniques all involved focusing the mind on an object, color or activity to which it can return if it gets distracted. Once in a quiet, receptive state, the mind excretes certain brain waves, known as alpha waves, that purportedly operate at a far higher intensity than those that occur during sleep, creating electrical activity that leads to altered awareness and deep relaxation. While different forms of meditation are practiced in all major religions, it is most readily associated with the spiritualism of the oriental world where it is used as a way of exploring the inner recesses of the mind and achieving a euphoric condition. As we move into a new century, meditation is the West is no longer the preserve of the kaftans-clad fringe set, but has become an executive tool for beating stress, insomnia, addictions and depression.

Meditation has several effects on the body. As well as slowing down the heart rate, it can significantly reduce the oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. Meditation also raises levels of skin resistance to pain, which tend to fall when we are stressed and anxious. During meditation, the body achieves what is called a hypo metabolic state. This is a different state from that experience during sleep or while under hypnosis and can best be described as deep and prolonged relaxation.

Regular meditation is also of great benefit  for those who suffer from low energy and who have difficult sleeping. The quality of sleep improves when meditation when meditation is practiced regularly, and most mediators testify to feeling less tried throughout the day, needing less sleep at night and waking up feeling more refreshed.

Once the body is relaxed, the clarifying and emptying of the mind can begin. Given practice, the first stage will become easier to complete and a greater proportion of the time used for meditation can be given to calming the mind. It is best to be guided through the rudiments of meditation by a practitioner. However, some of the tranquil, tropical locations in Asia are so heavy with a spiritual silence that they provide a perfect sanctuary for getting started on the path to mindful relaxation.

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