Meditation is one of the most wonderful things in the world.
  Not everyone will agree with me on this of course,  Many of them will tell you that sex is the greatest thing in the world, but well, to each his own.
  The point of meditation is really for a person to find himself within himself.
  Calming of the mind, stress relief is actually an effect of meditation, not the goal itself.
A beginner often ask, "How should I start meditation?".
  The typical answer to this question would be to find a a quite place, preferably free from distractions, and sit with an upright posture with one's back straight.
  Then he or she closes his eyes and begin to breathe in and out deeply.
  Doing so brings one's mind back to the centre of the inner space, to the present.
  Then, he or she focuses the attention on his breath, and count from one to ten, with every count on the out-breath.
  This is repeated for as long as one prefers.
So this is typically the most common way for one to start meditation and to achieve a peaceful state of mind in the process.
  As a beginner, you will encounter a lot of subtle difficulties here and there and thus it is advisable you seek an experienced mediator to guide you along the path.
  Once you progress in your meditation, you will start to experience the wonders of life within yourself.
  Your perception of your inner and outer world will also change as a process, and you will live with clarity.
  That is what it means to be awake!