The term meditation, comes from the Latin,” meditatio” the art of thinking something over, and from “medius”, the middle. Meditation is therefore unplanned concentration on something with the aim of achieving a changed or raised level of consciousness. The concentration is not led by the rational. What becomes apparent, in an environment free of distractions, is a condition of relaxed alertness.

The focus of meditation

The focus of the meditation can be a variety of things; music or some sort of simple work can also be performed in a meditative fashion. One of the best-known techniques of meditation is centred on the breathing, as with yoga or Zen Buddism. Walking meditation is common in the Christian tradition in the form of pilgrimages such as the Jacobsway in Spain or the “ora et labora” motto of the Benedictine monks. Meditation has always been a central feature of many religions, in which the increased levels of alertness and concentration are seen as a way of raising your own levels of consciousness and approaching a higher deity. 

Levels of meditation

• You calm yourself, inwardly and outwardly, and allow disruptive physical, emotional and mental energies to quieten.
• You give your entire concentration to the subject of the meditation and open yourself mentally to it. 
• Your concentration is both focussed on the subject of the meditation and freely associating with it so that the attention of consciousness is completely centred. The person meditating, the act of meditation and the object of the meditation become one.

Effect on the body

• The brainwaves move in the alpha or theta wavelengths; that bring a quieter and deeper level of concentration.
• Although the pulse-rate of the heart is slowed, there is an increased blood supply to the skin and muscles and to the frontal area of the brain.
• The blood pressure is reduced, even in the cases of people suffering from high-blood pressure.
• The cortisone level is reduced as an indication of stress reduction. 

Effect on the psyche

• A more acute awareness of visual and acoustic impressions
• A heightened tolerance for the unfamiliar
• Greater ability to take in new information
• Optimisation of physical performance due to quicker reaction time.
• Increase in productivity and creativity
• Heightened ability to self-evaluate
• Increased inner equilibrium