But relaxing to the point where you do not even care that your stomach is sticking out is something on quite another plain.

For that is what Buddhist meditation can do in just one session of relaxing 'enlightenment' - blocking out the pressures of the modern world.

Peter Mullin, instructor of the sessions held every Monday evening at Knutsford Civic Centre, is convinced of the positive effects of his teachings.

"It can improve your life and can improve the lives of others," he says.

The session begins with a meditation to relax the body and more importantly the mind - wiping away all thoughts of the outside world as all hover in a state of 'enlightenment'.

"We spend so much time cleaning our bodies and perfuming ourselves but do we give our minds such attention?" says Peter.

Quite clearly, clearing out the mind's rubbish is last on many people's agenda in today's world, as we try to slot increasing tasks into a limited timescale.

Even fitting in an hour-and-a-half session of meditation seems like something of a chore at the end of a long day's work.

But the meditation itself does much to soothe ills and helps the day's worries simply melt away.

Anne Baker has been practising the Buddhist meditation for two years now, and has no doubt of the difference it has made to her life.

"It makes me feel generally calmer and more tolerant of people," she says.

"It helps to see life from others' perspectives."

Anne has two daughters and says she tried yoga and other forms of relaxation but it is meditation that has had the most effect.

"It is both temporary and permanent. Sometimes you can lose it but it usually shows its benefits for 24 hours."

The Buddhist practice seeks to identify and eradicate the three most common negative states of mind - anger, attachment and ignorance or confusion.

But opening the mind to Buddhist meditation is not to say we take on the religion and cult of Buddhism.

The message in the session on Monday was to cherish others and to understand that we are all essentially seeking the same goal - happiness.

It is a message that transcends faith and culture and is a positive thought for anyone to leave the class with.

"You take what you want from meditation," says Mrs Baker.

Monday March 26 and April 2 - Meditations of developing a mind of love for others at 7.30pm at Knutsford Civic Centre. All welcome.