<human>:  What is the history of meditation?
<bot>: Meditation has been practiced in many cultures and traditions around the world for centuries as a means of self-improvement and spiritual growth. Its earliest documented uses date back to ancient India, where meditation was used as a form of mental focus and relaxation. In Hinduism and Buddhism, meditation was used to promote psychological and spiritual development. In the West, meditation began to gain widespread popularity in the 1960s and 70s as an effective way to reduce stress and improve overall physical and mental health. Since then, it’s become firmly established as an essential self-care practice for many. Through meditation, people have found better concentration, greater creativity, improved stress management and a more meaningful relationship with themselves and their environment.