Each day, in all forms of media, we hear more and more about the awesome benefits of meditation from helping us to manage stress levels more effectively to lowering blood pressure and stimulating the immune system. Meditation also increases our awareness of living in the present moment, promotes joy and serenity, and helps us cope with the problems of life. It has also been shown to help overcome insomnia. Recent research has shown that meditation is also extremely effective in controlling pain and there are a lot of people in pain out there.

To check out the many benefits of meditation and relaxation for yourself all you need do is search, on the internet, for the benefits of meditation. You will be amazed.

I have been convinced of the health inducing power of meditation for many years. Each day I meditate at least once for 45 minutes and hate to miss a session. Soon after I started to meditate my wife said she noticed me becoming more relaxed and patient. To her that was a huge bonus.

I read recently that stress is our most serious health threat and that over 85 percent of all doctor visits are for stress related issues. Some authorities would say that the number exceeds 85 percent.

At a time when health care costs throughout the western world are soaring out of sight it seems to me that we could manage these costs much more effectively by simply teaching people how to control stress, worry and fear through meditation and other forms of relaxation.

What is Meditation? 
Meditation is an ancient method of achieving tranquillity and peace of mind. It involves focussing on a sound, phrase or image exclusively.

How Do You Meditate?

Sit in a comfortable chair or lie down on the floor or bed. (I prefer to sit as I have a tendency to fall asleep when lying down.)

Select your focus (sound, phrase or image). Your image can be a flame, flower, quiet beach etc. It is your choice. Some people prefer to concentrate on their breathing. Remember it's the process of focussing not the object of your focus that is important.

Close your eyes and begin to hold your focus. Distractions will come. Let them. Don't try to resist their presence just visualize them leaving your mind and then return to your focus.

Meditate for just a few minutes in the beginning gradually increasing the time to 15 or 20 minutes. Frequently I find myself meditating 30 to 45 minutes at a time. When you're meditating the time just flies by.

How Will You Know You Are Meditating? 
You will have a deep feeling of peace, detachment, relaxation and tranquillity.

I hope you give meditation and progressive relaxation a try. Stay with the process and don't get discouraged. The benefits to your life, health and relationships are worth it.

Mike Moore is a Canadian author and speaker on the power of humour and attitude to transform lives through the use of laughter and stress management.
In his work he advocates strongly for the process of simple meditation and the relaxation response. When you combine laughter and meditation you begin to see great things happen in your life and in the lives of those you relate to.
http://www.mikemoorespeaks.com

His popular book...
Embracing the Mystery: Living the Life You Want
http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?embracing