Meditation is an ancient relaxation practice. There are a multitude of approaches to meditation, including Transcendental Meditation and Siddha Yoga. Meditation can be practiced with the body in motion (for example, tai chi) or in a stationary position. In general, using meditation as a form of relaxation can help people deal with pain, anxiety, and stress.There are two types of meditation. The first focuses attention on one item or word with the goal of emptying the mind of thoughts, sensations, and distractions. The second type of meditation is called mindfulness meditation, which is based in part on Buddhist traditions. The aim is to be in the here-and-now, moment-by-moment, focusing on one's self and the environment. Instead of focusing on a sound, word, or phrase (also known as a mantra), the idea is to become acutely aware (nonjudgmentally) of one's perceptions, thoughts, and feelings.1 Mindfulness meditation involves an acute, heightened observation of "what is." Asking a patient if/how he or she finds stillness and calmness in life gives clues to his or her awareness and practice of relaxation and meditation.
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