8 Types of Meditation: Find the Technique That is Right for You
For thousands of years, meditation has helped people become more aware of the present moment.
The exercises can help you focus and pay attention, connect with your body and breath, accept challenging emotions, and even change your consciousness. It’s been demonstrated to provide various medical and psychological benefits, including stress relief and increased immunity.
While meditation is a part of many spiritual traditions’ teachings and practices, the method itself is unrelated to any particular religion or denomination. The practice of meditation is a part of many spiritual traditions’ teachings and practices. However, it is irrelevant to any religion or denomination. Even though it has ancient origins, it is still used worldwide to promote inner peace, tranquillity, and harmony.
There are eight popular types of meditation practice:
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to your thoughts as they flow through your mind. There is no judgment or concern about your thoughts. You simply look for patterns and make a note of them.
This involves both attention and awareness. If you are experiencing any physiological sensations, thoughts, or feelings, you might find it helpful to focus on an object or your breath.
Since it can be done alone, it is ideal for people who do not have access to an instructor.
Spiritual Meditation
Meditation takes many forms, just as spiritual traditions around the world do. There is spiritual meditation in nearly every religion and tradition. This article discusses many spiritual meditation techniques.
According to a 2017 study, spiritual meditation focuses on acquiring a better knowledge of spiritual/religious meaning and a connection with a higher power. Here are several examples:
- Contemplative prayer in Christianity
- Sufi Dhikr (remembrance of God)
- Kabbalistic practices in Judaism
Spiritual meditation can be done at home or in a religious setting. This exercise would benefit those seeking spiritual growth and a stronger connection to a higher power or spiritual force. Most religions and spiritual traditions practice spiritual meditation.
Focused Meditation
Concentration on any of the five senses is required for focused meditation. For instance, you can focus on something internal, such as your breathing, or you can focus on something external, such as the weather.
Examples:
- Counting mala beads
- Staring at a candle flame
- Listening to a gon
- Breath counting
- Staring at the moon
The technique seems straightforward, but beginners may find it challenging to maintain their focus for more than a few minutes at first. But you can simply return to practice and concentration whenever your mind wanders.
This technique is perfect for anyone who wishes to improve their focus and attention, as the name implies.
Movement Meditation
Although most people think of yoga when they hear the term “movement meditation,” it can also refer to:
- Walking
- Gardening
- Gong Qi
- Tai Chi (Chinese martial art)
- Different types of moderate movement
This movement-based meditation helps you connect more deeply with your body and the present moment.
Movement People who find serenity in action and desire to increase bodily awareness will benefit from meditation.
Mantra Meditation
Mantra meditation is emphasized in many teachings, including in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In the West, it is most commonly a word, phrase, or sound, with “om” being the most common. To clear the mind, this style of meditation uses a repeated sound.
You can say your mantra loudly or silently. After chanting the mantra for a while, you’ll become more aware of your surroundings. By doing so, you reach a higher level of consciousness.
Many people prefer mantra meditation because it is easier to concentrate on a single word than on their breath. Others appreciate the sensation of sound vibrations in their bodies.
Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a style of meditation that has been the focus of considerable scientific research.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi established TM, which refers to a specific practice for quieting the mind and inducing a sense of serenity and harmony. TM is best taught by a licensed practitioner and involves using mantras.
This practice is for individuals who desire a simple way to taste meditation’s richness.
Progressive Relaxation
Progressive relaxation, also known as body scanning meditation, reduces physical tension and promotes peace.
This meditation frequently involves gradually tightening and relaxing one muscle group at a time throughout the body.
In some circumstances, it may also be helpful to envision a calm wave moving through your body to help you relax.
This type of meditation is frequently used before going to sleep to relieve tension.
Visualization Meditation
Visualization meditation involves imagining pleasant sceneries, images, or figures to increase feelings of relaxation, peace, and calmness.
This technique thoroughly imagines a situation and employs all five senses to fill in as much detail as possible. It might also entail imagining a beloved or revered character and attempting to embrace their qualities.
Another type of vision meditation involves visualizing yourself and achieving specific goals to improve focus and motivation.
Namah Shivay!
