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Meditation is well circulated word worldwide at present specially to address ever-increasing mental issues and concerns that induce peace/ calmness/ tranquility in the mind. As word water cannot wet the body and thinking about water cannot quench the thirst, likewise the word meditation do not imply meditative state. One should understand, whatever method might be practiced, it has to happen like sleep rather than effort fully done while expecting quick result. Thus, practicing with patience and perseverance is pre requisite for success in meditation endeavor along with right intention and willing interest.

Relaxed calm mind free from prejudices and proxy is conducive to meditation. Stressful, anxious and frustrated mind cannot enter into meditative state. To achieve relaxation, one should address the issues and concerns of the individual mind. Mind naturally or habitually moves/ jumps/ drifts towards memories/ experiences of the past and imagination/ expectation of the future, generating stress or tension like a stretched rubber string. Thus, one hardly is aware/alert of the perpetual present moment or activities while mind is flickering towards past and future.

Meditation is said to be the concentration/ attention put to explore divinity within us and experience unity in whole universe. Thus, developing concentration or focused attention in present activity (now and here mode) is to be achieved consciously or unconsciously for effective meditation. Intrinsic motivation/ interest/ willingness towards regular meditation must come from within the particular individual for persistently practicing the chosen method as per evolutionary time, temperament and tendencies.

Different kinds of yoga such as karma yoga, hatha yoga, raj yoga, gnyan yoga, bhakti yoga, kriya yoga, tantra yoga, mantra yoga, holistic yoga etc, etc, advocates purification of the mind or arresting restless movement (yogaha schitta vritti nirodha) of the mind with its modifications such as ego (ahankar), expectation (akankha), attachment (asakti), agnanata (ignorance) for entering into meditative state.

Conscious mind in waking state generally works 5 to 10 percent through talking, thinking, sensing, reasoning, identifying, decision making and feeling etc.in day to day activities out of total consciousness. Unconscious mind works with the left over 90 to 95 percent approximately through genetic programming, personality traits, dream, deep sleep, vision, intuition, ESP, mystical realization etc.  and total consciousness can be categorized as below conscious mind as sub-conscious, collective unconscious and cosmic unconscious mind, and above conscious mind as superconscious, collective conscious and cosmic conscious mind.

In the beginning, trying to make mind calm, many meditators experience more restlessness/ noise/ self-chattering/ conflict due to more powerful unconsciously suppressed, repressed thoughts or habits that get access to come up to conscious mind. Moreover, genetic imprint of the individual also come to surface while observing the mind. Thus, one should keep in mind that these occurrences is natural and to be observed/ witnessed/ letting go without  identifying or fighting or judging.

Pranayama or breathing exercises is of a great help if done rightly for meditation to happen as prana or life energy get balanced within the system and mental activities is slowed down become  relaxed or calm. One should practice raj yoga meditation with yama, niyama (self, social and moral discipline), asana and pranayama prepares the ground for meditation to progress further towards pratyahar, dharna, dyana and finally Samadhi (unity experience) to happen.

Meditation should not be a one-hour and age bound affair. Many people might think that it is fruitful for those who suffer from chronic illness or want to solve mental issues or seeking self-realization etc, but effectiveness in meditation will be more in younger age when vital power and mental power is strong rather in old age. In the beginning, group meditation under the supervision of experienced teacher/ guru is beneficial. Eventually, one has to meditate alone in silence and solitude.

Meditation can be split into two categories, static and dynamic. In static meditation one has to practice the chosen method in fixed hour and place, in a structured way. Dynamic/ mindful meditation can be done in any present time and in habitual regular activities with a focused joyful loving attention. Observing, watching or witnessing are the words mostly used for meditation.

We may observe objective world or specific spontaneous activity through sensory organs or thoughts and feeling running in the mind. We may also observe or become aware of our inner consciousness itself. Whatever may be, the object of meditation finally one should feel or aware of the unity in both objective, visible changing worlds of name and form and subjective invisible changeless, formless and nameless world.

So meditation is essentially to become aware of this present moment or synchronizing/ aligning with the cosmic entity without diversion, division or modifications of the mind.  During meditation one should feel the stillness of the body, slow rhythmic breathing and circulation, silence in the mind and surrender to the life/ soul encouraging expansion of consciousness. Affirmation, visualization, positive emotion, imagination, suggestion etc, can be used along with methodical action in pranayama so that pranas get balanced in the system and meditation happen in due course of time and maturity.

In the beginning, one should be regular in practice with intense focused attention for less time rather than irregular long time, allowing constant chattering or running commentary in the back of the mind. Any kind of harmful addiction, laziness, negative emotions may destroy meditation, on the contrary, experience of meditation can destroy these negativities and transform life too. It removes the confusion and bring clarity in decision making and living enthusiastically. It improves physio-psycho-emotional health holistically.