The purpose of meditation is to enter a deep state of mind in which you are relaxed and aware, often by focusing on a single point of reference. This practice dates back to antiquity and has been practiced inside and outside of religious and spiritual traditions. There are many different meditative disciplines which focus on different goals such as increasing focus or creativity, or entering into a more relaxed state of mind.
Some of the behavioral components of meditation include: relaxation and concentration, altered states of awareness, and suspension of logical thought. This accompanies many biological changes, such as altered metabolism and change in heart rate and breathing. In clinical settings, meditation may be used for pain management and stress reduction.