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The meditation process usually involves some form of focusing, breathing, becoming at peace with one's mind, and can also include prayer.
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When meditating people often do so with their eyes closed, in an effort to block out images that will interfere with the mind's process.
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When meditating some people make sounds, speak words or prayers, or say nothing at all and focus on breathing sounds.
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Early references to meditation are found in India and Nepal's Hindu Vedas (early scripture).
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In the 5th and 6th centuries meditation became part of China's Taoism and Confuciansim beliefs. It also became part of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
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Meditation is meant to be practices somewhere that the person feels calm and at peace. This could be an open field or even a private office, provided the person can be left uninterrupted for however long they wish to meditate.
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There are two main focus methods for meditation. These include focused attention meditation (focusing on an object during the session), and open monitoring meditation (open to all internal and external perceptions).
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There are many types of meditation based on belief or religion including Zen meditation, Vipassana meditation, Metta meditation, Mantra meditation, Transcendental meditation, Taoist meditation, Qigong meditation, Christian meditation, guided meditation, and Yoga meditation.
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In Yoga meditation there are a variety of meditation practices including Third-Eye meditation, Chakra meditation, Trataka meditation, Kundalini meditation, Kriya Yoga, Nada Yoga meditation, Tantra, and Pranayama meditation.
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When meditating there are a variety of positions that a person can use including sitting, standing, supine, walking, or even not using any specific position at all.
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Mental silence is a type of meditation that involves switching off certain parts of the brain, which has been shown to increase emotional well-being of those practicing this form.
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For those just beginning to meditate there are several suggestions to help to be successful including starting with a shorter time of meditation, doing it first thing in the morning, counting breaths, not worrying that its being done wrong, committing to it, and doing it even when traveling to stick to the routine.
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Recent findings have suggested that meditation can be helpful to improve a variety of health issues including blood pressure, anxiety, and depression, but also decreasing chronic pain, improving sleep quality and quantity, decreasing stress, and contributing to a more peaceful feeling.
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