What is meditation?

Meditation is a natural part of life. Every person in the world meditates regularly, whether they are aware of it or not. It is as much a part of our daily routine as breathing, and as necessary to our ability to function as sleeping. You might say, “What do you know about me? I’ve never meditated before and I never intend to.” The truth is, everyone meditates regularly – you need to meditate, to survive.     Meditation in its most simple sense is the act of self-awareness. Every time you go for a walk near the ocean and let your mind wonder out to the surf… Every time you go out in the garden and get involved in the act of pruning a tree… Every time you look up at the stars and are amazed by their vastness… Every time you take a deep breath of air to regain your composure… All of these times and many more, you are engaging in the act of meditation.