What is Meditation and what benefits does it provide?

Meditation is an ancient practice of focus and attention. The focus may be a sound, a thought, a visualization, or attention to the breath.  Meditation is usually done seated but there are also walking meditations.  
 

Benefits of Meditation include:

Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations.

Building skills to manage your stress.

Increasing self-awareness.

Focusing on the present.

Reducing negative emotions.

Increasing imagination and creativity.

Increasing patience and tolerance.

Lowering resting heart rate.

Lowering resting blood pressure.

Improving sleep quality.