| Studies have shown that meditation can help | | | | somewhere else, try to refocus the mind on the |
| improve a person's energy and can even put | | | | breathing pattern. Do this for about thirty minutes |
| them in a calmer state. However, the benefits of | | | | until such time when the breathing pattern has |
| meditation can only be realized when it is done | | | | been given primary attention. Once relieved, |
| properly. | | | | gradually return the focus to the present events |
| There are two common meditation techniques. | | | | and slowly stand up. |
| These techniques are best practiced an hour | | | | The next meditation technique involves relaxation. |
| before a person goes to sleep. | | | | Just like mindful meditation, a quiet and |
| The first one concerns mindful meditation. The | | | | comfortable place is also necessary. The process |
| first step in this technique is to find a quiet and | | | | begins with the person sitting down and trying to |
| comfortable area where meditation can take | | | | relax his or her muscles. Once relaxed, the person |
| place. This is important because it will build the | | | | can start thinking of words or phrase that bring |
| overall mood of the activity. Once a place has | | | | joyful emotions to him or her. Alternatively, a |
| been found, the person should sit flat on the floor | | | | person can use the words "Ham Sah," which is a |
| with his or her head preferably placed against the | | | | Sanskrit statement that means "I am that." While |
| wall. Afterwards, the person should start focusing | | | | repeating the chosen statement, try to focus on |
| on his or her breathing. In doing this, he or she | | | | the breathing pattern. Do this for up to thirty |
| has to observe the gush of air through his or her | | | | minutes. Once focus has been lost because of a |
| nostrils and the rise and fall of his or her stomach. | | | | certain thought, simply go back to the chosen |
| The changes in the patterns of breathing should | | | | statement and begin giving attention to the |
| be given careful attention. | | | | breathing pattern again. The process ends once |
| During this time, the person may feel that certain | | | | the person feels calm and totally relaxed. |
| things may begin to bother him or her. These | | | | There are still other meditation techniques |
| may actually be worries about what would happen | | | | available. Some are specific to certain types of |
| tomorrow or what has happened in the past. The | | | | meditation like Taoist meditation. But all these |
| person, should by no means, try to suppress | | | | techniques have the same aim, and that is to put |
| these thoughts. Just let them pass by and if a | | | | a person in a more relaxed and peaceful state. |
| certain thought brings the person's mind | | | | |