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Even with the popularity of the New Age movement and Eastern philosophies, meditation is still a realm of mystery for most of the people in the Western world. Until Oprah does a special on it, it will remain a practice only for the seekers of enlightenment. Well, I'm telling you that meditation is for everyone. You can use it for any purpose that you like, but the benefits are immeasurable.

Meditation is not some hooga-boo, voodoo mind trance, it is a way to calm your mind by paying attention to your breath. Yes, it is just that simple. Most people envision that you have to trek up a mountain in Tibet, assume the lotus position and contemplate your navel for six hours a day, while depriving yourself of food. Trust me, if that was the case, there's no way I would do it either. (I can only fast for about four hours before I succumb to my primal urges). It really isn't that difficult or time-consuming. It does, however, require focus which, apparently, is in short supply in our chaotic lives. But just a few minutes a day could be beneficial.

I don't have scientific studies or statistics to back up what I'm writing here. All I can tell you is what meditation has done for me. I've been practicing for about two years now. And I say "practicing" because that is exactly what it is. There is no right way to do it or level of perfection to be reached. It's just like walking. You do it every day, but you never expect to walk better the next day. You just walk. As a result, your physical health improves. And if you meditate every day, your mental health will improve. (Not that I'm suggesting that you should meditate as a means to an end. Don't focus on results that you are hoping to achieve or you've defeated the purpose of meditating).

The purpose of meditating is to train your mind to be in the present moment. The only thing you need to do is inhale and exhale, feeling the sensation of the air going in and out. And when your mind starts to run through the list of things that you have to do or whatever happened earlier in the day, you just let the thoughts float right back out of your mind as easily as they came in. Focus on your now, the functioning and aliveness of your body.

Carve out five minutes a day that you can dedicate to your meditation practice. I prefer the morning, when I first wake up, or just before going to bed. But, you can do this any time of day that consistently works for you. Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor, with your hands resting

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