"Meditation" is a general term for a wide range of techniques by which a person consciously controls and directs his attention so as to alter his state of consciousness. In general these techniques lead the practitioner to still the mind, emotions, and nervous system thus bringing the physical body to a deep state of relaxation and rejuvenation. There are also more active forms of meditation through which specific physical activities are designed to bring the practitioner into closer resonation with the energies of his/her body or of the earth and from there to a deep state of relaxation and altered consciousness.

Types of meditation are classified according to the technique employed to take charge and direct the mind's attention (breathing, mantras, movements, visualizations), but in general Meditators can achieve a state of healing stasis using a number of different techniques, all of which have been proven, when used properly, to produce marked beneficial physical and psychological effects. Not all forms of meditation are appropriate or even beneficial for everyone, but everyone can find a meditative form that is healing, beneficial, and enjoyable if allowed to experience the different techniques. The goal at Ajna Center and StoneWind Institute is to find the meditative method most compatible with each individual's needs and preferences.

What It Does for Us?

Meditation in some form is found in all ancient cultures and has always been associated with the human drive to be "better." The ancient methods emerged from a variety of spiritual traditions across the world and were part of the seeker's path to spiritual growth, physical health, emotional peace, and ultimately enlightenment. In the past, meditators learned the form of meditation practiced in his/her spiritual tradition and had neither the scientific background nor the desire to understand the underlying reasons for the effects their meditative practices had over time. It was enough to know the effects of meditation would come as surely as the sunrise.

In our Age of Information with its emphasis on scientific understanding, the beneficial effects of meditation on health have been the subject of extensive scientific study. Researchers have documented the effects of meditation on specific areas of the brain , on the immune system, on the heart, on health in general. Such research has opened meditative practice to everyone no matter their spiritual tradition-- or even lack of one. Now the "how" of meditation can be taught as "technique," divorced from the root spiritual traditions from which the techniques arise, while those in search of a spiritual practice can still seek out the spiritual tradition that suits them and find within it a rich meditative tradition with all the attendant benefits.

In this eclectic environment, new generations of practitioners have discovered not only that meditation has beneficial effects outside of any spiritual context, but why certain ancient techniques work to produce the results on the body and mind. With our abilities to study the meditator's physiology during meditation we have been able to unlock many of the scientific secrets for success underlying these ancient practices. In this new climate of investigation and use, the many forms of meditation have become valuable tools for achieving the quality of life we have learned is possible and have come to expect. At Ajna Center and StoneWind Institute the student can choose to learn various forms of meditation either as "techniques" or as introductions to spiritual practice. Our goal is to open knowledge and abilities for people to use in whatever ways are appropriate for themselves.