People are often put off meditation by what they see as its many mystical associations. Yet meditation is a (1. STRAIGHT) __________________ technique which merely involves sitting and resting the mind. In addition to its (2. SIMPLE) __________________, meditation offers powerful help in the battle against stress.Hundreds of studies have shown that meditation, when undertaken in a principled way, can (3. REDUCTION) __________________ hypertension which is related to stress in the body. Research has proved that certain types of meditation can (4. SUBSTANCE) __________________ decrease key stress symptoms such as (5. ANXIOUS) __________________ and irritability. In fact, those who practise meditation with any (6. REGULAR) __________________ see their doctors less and spend, on average, seventy per cent fewer days in hospital. They are said to have more stamina, a happier (7. DISPOSE)__________________ and even enjoy better relationships. When you learn to meditate, your teacher will give you a personal 'mantra' or word which you use every time you practise the technique and which is (8. SUPPOSE) __________________ chosen according to your needs. Initial classes are taught (9. INDIVIDUAL) __________________ but subsequent classes usually consist of a group of students and take place over a period of about four days. The aim is to learn how to slip into a deeper state of (10. CONSCIOUS) __________________ for twenty minutes a day. The rewards speak for themselves