Meditation is a collection of practices that helps focus the mind, train our attention and awareness to create voluntary self-control, create clear thinking, foster general mental wellbeing, and emotional stability. By focusing the mind on one thing or on awareness instead of allowing the mind to run free, one can teach calm or teach the mind to come from a space of compassion, instead of division or stress.
There are many meditative practices, including the mental practice of focusing or placing attention on one thing (such as your breath), mindfulness, or becoming aware of thoughts, body sensations or reactions that arise.
There is a lot of research on meditation and on long-term meditators that shows the physical and psychological benefits of having a regular meditation practice. Some benefits, among many, include lowered blood pressure, decreased anxiety, better sleep (reduced insomnia), decreased depression and increased ability to handle stress. Plus, meditation is good for kids, by helping them deal with big feelings, impulse control and school stress. See our blog about Kids and Meditation.