THE FINDINGS

Before I started my research I wanted to know the answer to questions such as what is meditation, what kind of impact it can have an individual's well-being and awareness and how do people meditate. Here is my findings.

What is meditation?
Meditation is a three step process that leads to a state of consciousness that brings serenity, clarity, and bliss. 

NORMAL MIND

The picture above shows that we have way too many things in our minds. We receive sensory stimuli and react in a completely uncontrolled way (although we tell ourselves we have great control). We bounce from one thought to another and follow with our emotional and physical reactions - meditation is meant to change that

THE FIRST STEP - CONCENTRATION

The picture above shows our minds when we are concentrating. The procedure is deceptively simple and seems like it would be very easy to do, but there are few tasks more difficult to master. The idea is to pick an object/subject to place your attention on and then to focus exclusively on it without diversion. 

THE SECOND STEP - MEDITATION

Here we have unbroken attention. The classic description of the difference between Concentration and Meditation is given in the example of pouring oil from a bottle into a bowl. At first the oil drips out a drop at a time. This is concentration. Then the oil comes out in a steady stream. This unbroken pouring out is Meditation. If you really examine the process closer, you would notice that when the oil was coming out drop by drop, each drop caused a splash and the droplettes of the splashing can be considered analagous to the distractions that interrupt our concentration. Once the stream starts becoming steady it flows effortlessly. Similarly, when Concentration flows into Meditation, the attention paid to the object of Meditation becomes deeper and deeper effortlessly and spontaneously, true knowledge about the object presents itself.

THE RESULT - THE STATE OF CONTEMPLATION

Where we usually are only conscious of our body and ego and consider ourselves apart from the rest of the universe, with the experience of Contemplation we become conscious of the cosmos and know ourselves to be a part of it and realize our unity with all of it. This is Realization, Cosmic Consciousness. It is our birthright and destiny to know this exquisite state first hand and enjoy the Truth, Consciousness, and Bliss that is our eternal true nature. Thus the justification in expending whatever energy is necessary to learn to meditate and to begin to make Meditation an important part of our lives.

What kind of impact meditation can have an individual's well-being and awareness?

How do people meditate?

Prepare first - this includes choosing a peaceful environment, wearing comfy clothes, deciding how long you want to meditate, closing your eyes and taking a comfortable position. Like this kitty.

The second thing is meditation practices.

Follow your breathing. The most basic and universal of all meditation techniques, breathing meditation is a great place to start your practice.

Repeat a mantra.  Mantra meditation is another common form of meditation, which involves repeating a mantra (a sound, word or phrase) over and over, until you silence the mind and enter a deep meditative state.

Concentrate on a simple visual object. In a similar way to using a mantra, you can use a simple visual object to fill your mind and allow you to reach a level of deeper consciousness. 

Practice visualization. Visualization is another popular meditation technique, which involves creating a peaceful place in your mind and exploring it, until you reach a state of complete calm. 

Do a body scan. Doing a body scan involves focusing on each individual body part in turn and consciously relaxing it. 

Try heart chakra meditation. The heart chakra is one of seven chakras, or energy centers, located within the body. The heart chakra is located in the center of the chest and is associated with love, compassion, peace and acceptance. Heart chakra meditation involves getting in touch with these feelings and sending them out into the world.

Try walking meditation. Walking meditation is alternate form of meditation which involves observing the movement of the feet and becoming aware of your body's connection to the earth. 

It is important to realize that it may take years of practice to achieve the level of awareness or higher consciousness - that is the reason why you should practice meditation often and understand that meditation is a journey.