Perfecting the art of meditation takes years of practice. Meditation masters in India have been reported to exhibit extraordinary abilities of bodily control and altered states of consciousness. These reports have stirred the interest of experts in looking into the possibility of the autonomic nervous system being controlled voluntarily. The average person who simply wants to achieve a relaxed state of mind through meditation can do so by using simple meditation techniques. It does not take much expertise in starting the habit of meditation. There are no skill requirements other than one's willingness to delve deep into their consciousness through meditation.

All types of meditation attempt to quiet the mind by concentrating on either present circumstances or one particular object. It is meditation's ultimate goal to achieve lasting inner peace and happiness brought about by concentration. As concentration is key to effective meditation, anyone who wants to start meditating needs to find a quiet place where meditation can be done. Find an environment that is conducive to concentrating, one that is free of distractions and disturbances. Make this location your permanent meditation space. You can even go as far as decorating your space with candles and flowers to create a more meditative ambiance.

Anyone who wants to start meditating should first master concentration. There are three things to practice in preparation for effective meditation:

• Sit still. Meditation is meant to focus the mind not by removing stimulation but by directing one's attention to a focal point. When the body is moving, it is difficult to still the mind into focussing. The body needs to be still to be able to concentrate on the present.

• Breathe steadily. After getting into a comfortable position, be conscious of your breathing. Breathe in and out in a slow steady manner while slowly easing the tension in your body parts. Release all the stress that you are feeling and thinking. By focusing on your breathing, you are preparing your mind for the calm and peace that is to follow.

• Concentrate. Train your clear and calm mind on one single thought of thing. Concentrating or focusing on one single thought or thing turns your attention towards yourself and cuts off any external factors that stimulate your senses. This develops a distraction and disturbance-free state of mind.

These three things are requisites to successful meditation. These first few steps can be difficult to do for beginners. It takes a bit of self-restraint to keep still and block off external stimuli. Once you have trained your mind to concentrate, it will be easy for you to fill your mind with feelings of calm and peace.

Here are some other useful tips for beginning meditators to remember:

• 1. Include meditation in your regular schedule. Choose a fixed time everyday when you can practice meditation. Doing it early in the day usually allows for a more positive and productive day.

• 2. Prepare yourself for meditation by doing "cleansing breath work." These are one-minute breath spurts that lets you practice breathing into your diaphragm.

• 3. Tell someone in your household that you are going to practice meditation. Solicit the cooperation of the members of your household in ensuring that you are not disturbed during your meditation session.

• 4. Stretch. Physical stretching physically relieves your muscles of stress and tension. Stretching beforehand makes your body less resistant to suggestions of physical and mental relaxation during meditation.