THE art OF MEDITATION

“I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one.” These words from arguably the most inspirational vegetarian in history, Mahatma Gandhi, offer a clue to the power of meditation. While there are a multitude of ways to reach a relaxed state, few are backed by the millennia-long history, global popularity, and wealth of scientific evidence that meditation enjoys.

Though the beginnings of this age-old art are unknown, some archaeologists date the practice back to the fifth or sixth century BC. Originally having religious ties, meditation has now exploded in popularity among the spiritual as well as the secular. The rapidly growing worldwide community of meditators is proof-positive that the ancient practice has real relevance in today’s hectic world, as recent studies show that meditation is not simply structured tune-out time, but provides actual relief from depression, chronic pain, and anxiety, while promoting better relationships and increased overall happiness.

And yet many of us