"He who looks outward dreams, he who looks inward awakens" - Carl Jung
Meditation is the constant observation of the mind. It involves setting aside the regular tima & place for the specific purpose of discovering that wisdom lies whithin. The meditative state transcends all limitations. In it there is neither past or future but only the consciousness of I AM in the eternal NOW. This consciousness is only possible when all the mental waves are stilled and the mind ceases to exist. ( source:Sivananda Yoga Vedanta teacher's guide).
Practicing meditation regularly has legitimate health advantages, especially for the brain. Studies suggest meditation can reduce anxiety and sensitivity to pain and might increase intellectual capacity.
There are many techniques of meditation besides the classical_and most well known. Anyone can find one technique suitable for one's self. After acquiring comfort in this technique, one can experiment other techniques.Some of these techniques are Japa meditation (mantra meditation),Silent walk meditations, Dance meditation, Tratak meditation (gazing), Pranayama meditation ( Breathing), Mauna practice, emphasized meditative Asanas sequence...