Meditation is the practice of intentionally focusing attention in order to cultivate calm, clarity, or insight. Techniques vary widely across cultures and traditions, yet most involve a sustained effort to regulate the mind.

Common forms include focused-attention practices that rest the mind on the breath, a sound, or a visual object, and open-monitoring practices that observe whatever arises in awareness without judgment. Physiological effects often include slowed breathing, reduced heart rate, and changes in brain-wave patterns. Regular practice has been linked to lower stress, improved attention, and modest reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Scientific interest has grown rapidly. Neuroimaging studies show altered activity in regions involved in attention and self-referential thinking. Clinical programs such as mindfulness-based stress reduction package meditation techniques into structured courses. Not every claim made for meditation is equally well supported; effects depend on the type of practice, the duration, and the individual.

Sitting quietly and directing attention is an ancient practice that modern research continues to examine for its measurable effects on mind and body.