The origin of the word [tag]meditation[/tag] is from Latin words “meditari” which means “to think or dwell upon” and the word “mederi” which means “to heal”. In Sanskrit, the word meditation is derived from “medha” which means “wisdom”. On the whole, meditation is considered as “awareness” apart from being just a prayer or worship. Meditation is whatever one does with awareness. Even activities like watching one’s own breath or listening to birds can be considered as meditation, as long as they are free of mental distractions. Meditation also means “to join together” wherein one is in a conscious state of mind, which is free of any random or wary thoughts, with the realization that all activities of mind are considered as one.
Meditation is now popular with people of all kinds, unlike the past. There are sufficient medical and scientific evidence to prove the [tag]benefits of meditation[/tag]. Though prayer is the best known form of meditation, there are other kinds of meditation, like Mindfulness meditation, Transcendental Meditation, Zen meditation, Taoist meditation and Buddhist meditation.
There are various methods employed in meditation like the formal sitting position where the attention is controlled and the body is kept immobile, practices like [tag]Siddha Yoga[/tag] in which the body is allowed free, and practices wherein one goes about with daily activities mindfully. The only common thing found in all such kinds of practices is that they all indicate the “quietness” of the hectic mind. When the mind is completely filled with calmness, it will not by itself take to worrying or getting depressed.
Dr.Joan Borysenko, who is a leader in the field of mind and body medicine, said that meditation could be defined as an activity (any activity) which helps in keeping the mind pleasantly focused at the job in hand (the present moment) without reacting to past memories or getting pre-occupied with future plans, which are the two main sources of severe stress that has its impacts on health.