Barbara Ann Kipfer has written more than sixty books, including several bestsellers: 14,000 Things to Be Happy About, Field Guide to Happiness, Instant Karma, and 8,789 Words of Wisdom.
Approximately 18 million adults and almost 1 million children practice meditation, according to a 2012 National Health Interview Survey.
Significant physical health benefits have been found for those who practice meditation. For example, a study of health insurance statistics found that meditators had 87 percent fewer hospitalizations for heart disease, 55 percent fewer for benign and malignant tumors, and 30 percent fewer for infectious diseases. In addition, those who practice meditation regularly had more than 50 percent fewer doctor visits compared to those who do not meditate.
Research on meditation has shown mental health benefits, including memory, concentration, and productivity.