Gwyneth Paltrow does it.
  So does her husband Chris Martin, along with Sting, Madonna, Kate Hudson, Halle Berry and scores of other famous (and not-so-famous) faces.
The word turns to celebrities like these to learn what's in and what's out, what's hot and what's not.
  And these days, it seems like all the "cool kids" have taken up meditation.
  The ancient practice has far surpassed drugs and drinking as the A-List's mind-altering habit of the moment, providing a healthier and safer way for stars to escape the pressures of life in the celebrity fishbowl.
There's no question the celebs that practice meditation are making a smarter, safer choice than their counterparts in previous decades.
  But is bending one's legs into a lotus position and "emptying the mind" just another wacky Hollywood fad, doomed to disappear like so many Kabbalah bracelets?  Let's hope not.
  Because meditation is more than just trendy.
  It can actually be life changing.
Doctors and other experts agree, meditating twice every day for as little as 15 minutes can lead to a long list of benefits including improved brain function, better overall physical health, ability to focus more clearly, a boost in creativity and more balanced moods.
  It has been shown to help people with a range of problems from cancer to depression.
So why doesn't everybody do it? For many people, the idea of learning to meditate can be scary.
  Just the word "meditation" brings to mind pictures of wise old men with long, grey beards sitting on mountaintops.
  They think people who meditate are religious, or make massive sacrifices, or simply don't lead "normal" lives like "normal" people.
But meditation isn't just for celebrities and shamans - it's for everyone.
  Whether you're looking to de-stress, to achieve a higher level of spirituality or to find true inner peace (or all of the above!) this ancient yet simple practice is the key to living a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life.
So how can you learn to meditate and start receiving some of these benefits in your life? One highly effective method is known as the Ishayas Ascension.
  An Ishaya is a spiritual teacher who practices and instructs in the art of Ascension, a process similar to meditation that takes place over several graduated stages.
  As the practitioner masters each stage, he or she rises higher and higher above the chatter of their conscious mind, rising closer and closer to inner peace and happiness.
It might sound complex and a little mysterious, but the process used is actually straightforward and simple.
  In fact, even a child can master it.
  The Ishayas' techniques are mechanical and easy to perform, and because there is no specific religious belief attached to Ascension, anyone can learn it and benefit from it - even non-believers.
And while the practice is simple, the results really are dramatic.
  People who have learned to ascend claim to feel less stress, possess increased clarity and focus, sleep better and feel better about themselves.
  They also have better relationships, are happier, and more at peace.
In other words, they feel just like Hollywood stars.
  Only without the paparazzi.