Meditation and its many forms have been used for years and years for spiritual and relaxation purposes. While the more traditional Buddhist or Tibetan monks meditate to achieve higher spirituality or to achieve lucid dreams; Meditation has also been used by both clinical populations and the general public to treat stress and stress-related conditions, as well as to encourage better health. Many hospitals now offer special programs and meditation courses to patients seeking treatments other than medications to relieve their ailments or improve their overall well-being. There has been an increasing amount of meditation in a large number of conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, stress, improved heart health, improved mood and immunity, and resolution of some pregnancy problems. There still remains an uncertainty about the differences between the many different forms of meditation such as. In the practice of Concentrative Meditation, the goal is to focus on a single object, such as a sound, an image, breath, or a flame. Through training to constantly return focus to the focal point, the mind develops the ability to remain calm, stabilized, and grounded. Many Western meditation teachers begin this practice as amateurs, most commonly focusing on the breath. In some advanced practices one can reach a state of ecstasy. In Open Awareness the goal is to open the mind to a broad awareness of what is happening without a specific focus. This awareness is often compared to a flowing river with floating objects or a sky with clouds. The ability to be present in whatever happens is developed through this practice. Mindfulness is the most popular, widely used and extensively studied practice. practiced today as a graceful form of meditation. It is a series of movements performed in a slow and concentrated way, often associated with deep breathing. Tai Chi is also called Tai Chi Chuan, a system of gentle physical exercises and stretching. Each posture flows smoothly into the next without pause (unless it was our class, we weren't that fluid), ensuring your body is in constant motion. Tai Chi has many different styles. Each style can have its own minor focus on various Tai Chi methods and principles. There are also different versions within each style. Some may focus on maintaining health, while others focus more on the martial side of Tai Chi. Whichever of these forms of meditation you use, they all have their pros and cons. Choose the one you think will benefit you the most.