The traditional medical community seems to be on the verge of a revolution of philosophy with regard to chemical and/or surgical treatment of some human ailments such as high blood pressure, tension, anxiety and others. So it may seem to a layman.

We may have been unaware of a trend toward meditation that has developed over more than twenty years.

Over the past three months, I have become aware of references to meditation seminars and meetings sponsored by healthcare givers being advertised and announced over common communication media.

I have real personal experiences which may shed some light on the title question of whether or not the relief of stress or tension through meditation is real.

As my professional career developed toward Scientific Community management, I found that I was beginning to suffer effects of job stress and tension. I found myself becoming more and more impatient.

When I became aware of an apparent change in my demeanor, I consulted the on site physician at EPA Region IV, in Atlanta. This physician did discover some physiological problems which turned out to be glandular, but his findings included some anxiety, stress and tension issues.

This finding led to an enrollment in a Stress Management Program at the Regional Office, which included an intense exercise and strength building regimen.

During the late 1980s my assignment included a mover from Atlanta to Baton Rouge for purposes of affecting Engineering School Curricula in the direction of environmental awareness.

This assignment became a new source of stress. In 1993, I encountered an individual who introduced me to meditation and started a small class in connection with a project to preserve the historic Forks of the Road Slave Market site. I started down a path of what I deem to be the most important change of pace I have ever made.

I, since engaging this method of concentration and control, have lost my stress keys such as constant movement of my legs while sitting, or constantly rocking a leg when concentrating on a piece of music or a conversation.

I have a decidedly improved attention span. My concentration has improved. My observational skills seem to have returned to a level of sharpness long since forgotten by me.

I ascribe these recoveries to a very deliberate pace set for me by meditation. My scientific training taught me to recognize correlations. My observations indicate to me that my recovery of lost skills most closely follow my growth in meditation.

Ralph W. Jennings is a Natchez resident.