MEDITATION
Meditation seeks to achieve self-awareness and awareness of one’s relationship with the environment. During meditation thinking is separated from perceiving, so that the individual can stand apart from the emotional self. According to proponents, meditation renders participants more conscious of God and more amenable to the godly qualities of life. It has been practised for centuries and is a vital part of many Oriental, Asian, and Indian religions; Buddhists use meditation to purify the mind and gain insight. Having the advantage that it can be practised at any time in any place, it is best practised in a comfortable position with eyes closed, with complete relaxation of all muscle groups. Most meditation programmes involve increased awareness by focusing on the internal environment—some aspect of feeling; a thought; a physical process; or a sound. In addition, external focusing can also be achieved, such as on an object or a physical activity.