Meditation brings calm and relaxation as well as an increased ability to deal with stress and anxiety. Over time, this settles the mind, providing a base for developing knowledge of one's deeper self and a greater capacity to enjoy life. Intensive meditation can help the meditator see how the mind works on a minute level, increasing wisdom. Although many people usually feel benefits soon after they start meditation, the results build up slowly over a period of regular practice - rather like physical exercise. But unlike with physical exercise, the results keep building year after year, and don’t necessarily fade when you stop. Of course the results depend upon how much effort you put into the practice.