meditating has helped me in several ways also wlup, it brings a sense of calmness... i spend time in contemplation and use my meditative state to create imaginary situations that i then perform inside of.. this mental practice is very useful for training the mind to react as i would prefer it to in any imagined situation.. kind of like 'practicing' life the way an athlete imagines perfect performance or a musician prepares for the presentation of his/her art... mentally practicing the skill has been shown in studies to increase confidence and awareness, and ability