When the mind settles down and the breath slows down gradually the mantra becomes longer and longer separated since it is practiced during the breath. Eventually the body becomes numb.... somewhat like waking and having a leg or arm still asleep. As the body becomes numbed the consciousness goes more and more inside and it becomes much easier to pray since all the bodies restless activities have subsided and the minds waves also smooth out until thought becomes less and less obtrusive. We become more in the now and are able to direct the thought processes more easily to a focus on what ever we deem important. Usually this is a very good time for prayer and listening to the results.
After such a meditation the thoughts are still calmed and the consciousness feels the peace. It is a good time to just dwell in that peace and savor its effects. Perhaps some of you have experiences somewhat like this.
