So why don't we all use it? Many don't because for most of us we find its either too hard to do, or we just don't have time to do it. It's meditation, and despite the reams of scientific proof of all its rewards, we'd need a super easy-peasy formula to even consider doing it.

Well then, OK, here's easy for you. It only takes 5 steps to prepare, you can do it yourself, or if you'd rather do as little as possible but still get the advantages, you can have a professional to do it for you instead, and quite affordably.

For the rest of us ready to DIY, here's how its done:

1. Take A Back Seat.
If you have some form of guided visualisation taking you through the relaxation and mind clearing steps, this gives you a chance to sit in the passenger seat, while something else does the driving for you, and you get yourself there just the same! So the first step is to get yourself a tape recorder, or some audio software and a CD burner for your home pc, or any other home recording device you can think of.

2. Ambience.
You'll need a little relaxing music to give it ambience. This will help your mind drift, and help prevent it from latching onto ideas too firmly. It is also a subconscious help for relaxing the body, and allowing the brain to move into the Alpha Wave state quickly, which is how the benefits that have been sited in scientific studies are produced. Try any alternative bookstores, or music shops for light new age music, or some relaxing Mozart. You can even download tracks for yourself from the Internet, if you're savvy enough with technology.

3. Write A Relaxation Script.
You'll need to follow a simple format for reaching the physical and mental relaxation necessary to move into the deeper Alpha brain waves required to achieve the benefits mentioned in the scientific studies. Write a script for yourself, and include imagery that you associate with relaxing. Some scenes that work are lying in the warm sand on the beach, listening to the waves, or maybe just visualising a white light relaxing each of your body parts as it moves through your body. Just make sure it elicits a warm, comfortable feeling in your body.

4. Add A Journey.
Your script should then follow a brief journey, one which includes imagery and symbolism related to anything you wish to address in your life. For example, you can imagine yourself as a beautiful fish or mermaid swimming around the depths of exotic and elaborate coral reefs, finding messages of peace or love or inspiration along the way, symbolising perhaps getting in touch with your subconscious for insights on a challenging project or relationship in your life. The possibilities are endless, all that's required is a little creativity. Make sure when you rehearse the script to yourself (speaking slowly and in a relaxed tone) that you time it. Your meditation only needs to be 15 to 20 minutes long to see tangible results in your life.

5. Consistency.
Once you have recorded your music and script, you need only play it for yourself. Find a time and place in your day when you can be quiet, sit comfortably, and not be interrupted. If you have kids, try doing it before they get up, or after they go to sleep. You could even ask your spouse to keep an ey on them while you go out to the car, put the seat back, and listen to it there in the driveway. Whatever you do, don't listen to it while driving though! Meanwhile, the best times of the day to meditate are in the morning, and early evening, and it will give you the most benefit if you do it regularly and often.

That's all there is to it. You don't need a spiritual 'gift', or become a resident novice in a monastery and have a Zen master put you through years of training. You don't even need a mat. You have tools and knowledge now to help you create the healthy, joyful, successful life you've always dreamed you could. Happy meditating to you!