Meditation: Mindfulness and Contemplative Awareness Practices

Meditation involves practices that cultivate attention, awareness, and relaxation.

By Gyfts Editorial Team 17 January 2026

Reviewed by Dr. Ava Gardner · Integrative Medicine Researcher13 March 2026Research-supported

Meditation: Mindfulness and Contemplative Awareness Practices — holistic health

Quick answer

Meditation includes mindfulness, breath awareness, and contemplative practices intended to cultivate focused attention and calm.

Key Takeaways

•Mindfulness and breath awareness
•Used across spiritual and secular traditions
•Widely researched in psychology

Overview

Meditation practices are found in many cultures and traditions, including Buddhist, Hindu, and secular mindfulness programs.

Evidence Context

strong

Meditation practices such as mindfulness meditation have been widely studied in psychology and neuroscience, with research examining their effects on stress reduction, emotional regulation, and attention.

Safety & Considerations

Meditation practices are generally safe but may evoke strong emotions in some individuals.

Who May Benefit

Individuals seeking relaxation or focus practices
People exploring mindfulness techniques

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meditation?

Meditation is a practice that involves focused attention and awareness, often using breath, sound, or observation techniques.

Written by

Gyfts Editorial Team

Editorial team at Gyfts researching holistic health modalities.

Reviewed by

Dr. Ava Gardner

Integrative Medicine Researcher

MB BCh BAO, MSc Integrative Medicine, MRCGP

Dr. Ava Gardner is a Dublin-based integrative medicine physician with over 15 years of clinical experience bridging conventional general practice and evidence-based complementary care. She holds a Masters in Integrative Medicine from the University of Arizona and has worked extensively in chronic pain management, women's hormonal health, and mind-body medicine. Dr. Gardner reviews health content for Gyfts to ensure clinical accuracy, balanced evidence presentation, and responsible safety guidance across modality and condition pages.

View full profile →