Meditation
/ˌmɛdɪˈteɪʃən/
Definitions
The act of focusing one's mind on a single point, often to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
/ˌmɛdɪˈteɪʃən/
The practice of focusing the mind.
She practices meditation every morning to start her day calmly.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to clear the clutter from your mind, like organizing a messy room. Meditation is like giving your thoughts a gentle tidy-up, so you feel calm and peaceful. For example, sitting quietly and focusing on your breath is a common form of meditation.
👶 For kids: Meditation is like giving your brain a quiet time-out. You sit still and think about one thing, like your breath, to help you feel calm and happy.
More Examples
The guided meditation helped him to relax and fall asleep.
Benefits of meditation include reduced anxiety and increased focus.
How It's Used
"Meditation is often used to reduce stress and improve mental clarity."
"Regular meditation is a central practice in many Eastern religions."
"Doctors recommend meditation as a way to manage chronic pain."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Guided meditation
Meditation led by a teacher or recording.
"She uses guided meditation to fall asleep every night."
Mindfulness meditation
A form of meditation that focuses on the present moment.
"Mindfulness meditation encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment."
From Latin *meditatio* ('a thinking over, contemplation'), from the verb *meditari* ('to reflect, consider, contemplate'), possibly related to *mederi* ('to heal, cure').
The concept of meditation has ancient roots, appearing in spiritual texts and practices across many cultures. It has evolved from primarily spiritual practices to incorporate aspects of mental and physical well-being.
Memory tip
Think of 'med' as the 'mind' and 'itation' as a state of 'quiet contemplation'.
Word Origin
"a thinking over, contemplation"