Answer this question to the best of your ability:
How can I identify the different stages of meditation during my practice?
Identifying the different stages of meditation during your practice requires a bit of self-awareness and understanding of the common characteristics associated with each stage. Here is a breakdown of the typical stages you may encounter:

1. Preparatory Stage : This is the initial phase where you prepare yourself for deep meditation. You might focus on loosening up any physical tension, becoming aware of your breathing patterns, or setting an intention for your practice.

2. Concentration Stage : In this stage, you will start to focus on a specific object of concentration such as the breath, a mantra, or a visualization. This is where your mind begins to settle and you may begin to experience a sense of calm and tranquility.

3. Deepening Stage : As you continue to concentrate, you'll move into the deepening stage where the object of concentration becomes more vivid and real. Thoughts may arise but try not to engage with them; instead, let them pass like clouds in the sky.

4. Unification Stage : In this stage, the meditator experiences a state of profound unity between the self and the object of concentration. This is where you might feel a deep sense of peace, bliss or even ecstasy.

5. Transformation/Insight Stage : The final stage of meditation is when insights about yourself and your life might come to you. These could be realizations about your habits, emotions, or beliefs that may lead to personal growth and transformation.

Remember, these stages aren't linear and every meditation session can be different. Some days you may only reach the concentration stage, while other times you might experience deep insights. With practice, though, you will become more familiar with each stage and be able to navigate them more easily.