Meditation isn't just for Buddhists anymore as thousands of people incorporate the art of relaxation and focus in their daily lives.
In today's society, we are constantly bombarded with stimuli that keep our brain active right up until we fall asleep - computers, video games, TV, and cell phone games and apps.
And with the economical struggles that millions are facing worldwide, many people experience stress throughout their entire day which can keep them up at night.
Psychologists, new age therapists and even doctors agree that meditation can be a helpful tool in reducing stress, depression, blood pressure, and anxiety while increasing the overall sense of well-being.
During meditation, stress is shifted from the right cortex of the brain, which is more active when stressed, to the left side, which is more active when you are relaxed.
This shift can cause calmness and happiness, according to a study conducted at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Using water fountains during meditation Meditation can be performed a variety of ways, and the general rule of thumb is that if you feel better at the end, then you've done it correctly.
Although meditation requires the person to be aware of their surroundings with their state of mind present, many people prefer listening to the sound of nature, especially running water, while meditating.
Water fountains can make a variety of water noises depending on the type of fountain, how the water travels and the distance the water falls if a waterfall is implemented.
These splishes and splashes have an amazing effect on meditation.
For those who don't meditate often, it may be difficult to sit quietly and relax without your racing thoughts taking control.
Gentle white noise, such as a water fountain, can ease racing thoughts as your ears focus on the noise.
Because water fountains are unobtrusive (generally, although some water features are designed to be louder than others), many have experienced the benefits of using fountains for relaxation, from mothers in labor to tinnitus sufferers.
The trick to finding the right water features for your meditation process is knowing what kind of sounds you enjoy.
Fountains with a waterfall may provide too much noise that can become bothersome or distracting.
A water fountain that trickles through pebbles or bubbles in standing water are quieter but may not provide the sound that's perfect for you.
Placing your water fountain in a centralized location in your home may help keep you relaxed as you will be able to hear the water no matter where you are.
If you prefer to associate the sound with meditation, choose a corner room or patio to place the fountain so you can only hear it when you are directly nearby.
And whatever you do, don't stress over it.