Meditation is a very simple way of lightening the mind and concentrate solely on mental relaxation. Mastering meditation enable us to transcend the everyday level of thought and distraction and achieve a state of passive alertness. This higher level of consciousness is not difficult to achieve and one does not have to submerge oneself into religious mysticism to achieve this state. In the ultimate state, you achieve a very good state of autohypnosis and become extremely suggestible.

Meditation has existed for several thousand years, practiced with fervor by the yogis of ancient India.Now thousands of people from all walks of life irrespective of race, religion and color practice meditation at quiet and calm places focusing their attention at an object and bringing their mind into concentration.

To review the physiology of relaxation mode found in meditation, click here.

Practiced regularly, meditation helps fight depression, reduce hypertension, relieve anxiety, fight migraine and helps to reduce psychosomatic illnesses.research has shown that concentration, memory and creativity are improved through regular sessions of meditation.

Regular meditation is also helpful for those who are habitually tired and suffering from insomnia.

When starting to meditate, fine a quiet, peaceful area where you are less prone to be disturbed during your session. Always meditate at the same place as far as possible.

Soft background music, incence or low lighting is helpful in the beginning, and though later you may be able to meditate even at crowded places.

Around 20 minutes of meditation per day is ideal.

The two stages in meditation are: physical relaxation and mental relaxation. Achieving the first state becomes easier as one becomes experienced so that later more time can be spend to freshen up mind.

Posture is very important in traditional meditation. The upright posture ensures stability and good channeling of energy. Though there is no need to copy the cross-legged posture, it is advisable to master it for better effectiveness. You can meditate while lying down with your back straightened up also.

The Egyptian posture involves sitting on a straight-backed chair. The meditator sits firmly and rocks back and forth to find a stable point of balance. The hands are cupped on the lap, with the left over the right, if right handed.

In the thunderbolt posture, the mediator sits on his or her knees, keeping them together. Again the back is kept erect, and the meditator rests on the heels. The palms of the hands rest on the corresponding thighs or can be cupped in the center of the lap.

The easiest posture is the cross-legged postures for the beginners. The knees are kept low and the ankles are crossed with the back and head straight. Hands are cupped in the lap or on the knees.

The lotus posture is one of the most advanced postures to master. In full position, both feet are upturned and crossed on corresponding thighs. Both knees rest on the mat. For the beginner it is better to try half lotus posture with one foot upturned.

Breathing also has to be mastered for effective meditation. Once you are relaxed in the classic posture, focus on the rhythm of your breathing. Slowly take deep breaths and watch your abdomen extend outwards and fall with each breath. Count each breath, saying 'in'when you take in and 'out'when you breathe out each time. Don't try to push the pace too fast, let it go on slowly in a regular rhythm.

Many find it useful to concentrate on an object while meditating a flower, a flame, and a picture.

Mental imagery is also useful while meditating

TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION or TM involves concentrating on a particular sound, or mantra.

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