Mindfulness Meditation is a wakeful, alert, and yet relaxed practice that helps us to develop a capacity to be fully present and accepting of what is happening in the here and now of our lives. We learn to slow down, look closely and see more clearly what we are actually experiencing. In doing so we begin to free ourselves from our habitual ways of reacting and are naturally in a better position to choose wisely what we may need to do, or not do, in a given situation.

Meditation has more recently attracted growing interest from scientists and researchers. The practice has proven helpful in reducing stress and depression , managing pain, alleviating sleep problems, increasing one's ability to concentrate, increasing efficiency, freeing us from old habits and addictive behaviors. These effects are not just psychological, but can be seen in physiological changes including reduced heart rate and blood pressure, decreased muscle tension, and slowing of brain waves .. an indication of a relaxed state of mind. Many physicians are "prescribing" meditation programs to their patients as part of their medical care for conditions such as heart disease, anxiety, recurrent depression, insomnia, pain, and even weight loss. Its is easy to learn, requires no special equipment or beliefs, and can be done anytime and anywhere.