meditate

Meditate is a verb describing the act of engaging in meditation, a family of practices intended to train attention and awareness, foster mental clarity, and cultivate emotional balance. The term derives from the Latin meditatus, the past participle of meditari meaning to think about, contemplate, or practice.

Across cultures, meditation refers to techniques with various goals: calming the mind (samatha), developing insight into the nature of experience (vipassana); in Hindu traditions, dhyana; in Christian contemplative traditions, prayerful stillness. In modern usage, "meditation" often denotes secular mindfulness practices that emphasize paying attention in the present moment with an attitude of nonjudgment.

Common methods include focused attention on a chosen object such as the breath; open monitoring of ongoing experience; loving-kindness or compassion practices; body scan; repetition of a mantra; and visualization. Practices may be done seated, walking, or during daily activities, for short sessions or extended retreats.

Historically, meditation has ancient roots in South and East Asia, and in other traditions around the world. In the late 20th century, mindfulness-based approaches popularized in Western contexts, notably Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).

Evidence from research supports reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and potential improvements in attention and executive function, though effects vary by technique and population. It is generally considered safe for healthy individuals but can temporarily intensify distress for some people, and it should not replace professional treatment when needed.

Getting started typically involves brief daily sessions, a nonjudgmental attitude, and gradual increase in duration. Guidance from teachers or reputable programs can help, as can certified apps or courses. Like physical training, benefits tend to accrue with consistency over time.