Meditation refers to a condition where your body and mind are consciously relaxed and focused. Practitioners of this art account increased awareness, focus, and concentration, as well as a more positive outlook in life.

While there are several different approaches to meditation, the basic principles stay the same. The most essential among these principles is that of removing disruptive, negative, and drifting thoughts and fantasies, and soothing the mind with a deep sense of focus. This clears the mind of debris and prepares it for a higher quality of activity.

The negative thoughts you have are said to add to the ‘polluting’ of the mind, and closing them out allows for the ‘purification’ of the mind so that it may center on deeper, more meaningful thoughts.

Some practitioners even shut out all sensory input – no sights, no sounds, and nothing to touch – and try to separate themselves from the disorder around them. You may now focus on a deep, profound thought if this is your goal.

If the position allows you to relax and focus, then that would be a good starting point. While sitting or standing, the back should be straight, but not tense or tight. In other positions, the only no-no is slouching and falling asleep.

Loose, comfortable clothes help a lot in the process since tight fitting clothes have a tendency to choke you up and make you feel tense.

The place you perform meditation should have a soothing atmosphere. It may be in your living room, or bedroom, or any place that you feel comfortable in.

Silence helps most people relax and meditate, so you may want a quiet, isolated area far from the ringing of the phone or the humming of the washing machine. Pleasing scents also help in that regard, so stocking up on aromatic candles isn’t such a bad idea either.

In all, meditation is a relatively risk-free practice and its benefits are well worth the effort (or non-effort – remember we’re relaxing).