10 Types of Meditation: Find Out Which One is Best For You?

What is Meditation?

There are many different types of meditation stemming from Buddhist practices. Different schools of Buddhist practices are studied around the world. Secular mindfulness is divorced from such traditions and encompasses different meditation practices. Meditation involves training the mind so that it is aware of the current moment.

Some techniques involve focusing on breathing and others focus on chanting mantras. The underlying thread is the observation of feelings and thoughts without passing judgment. When the mind wanders, just get back to the present; the non-judgmental part of meditation makes it popular among its practitioners. Do this daily for 5-10 minutes for stress reduction and to increase your sense of well-being.

1) Mindfulness Meditation

This technique urges practitioners to remain present and aware of the current moment. Instead of thinking about the future or the past, meditation allows you to be aware of your surroundings. In that space, there is a complete lack of judgment.

Practice this anywhere you like, taking in your surroundings by noticing the smells, sounds, and sights. Breath awareness is also a part of this practice. Progressive relaxation aids in drawing attention to the tense areas of the body.

2) Guided Meditation

This meditation technique is also known as “guided imaginary,” where you form mental situations or pictures that help you to relax. A teacher or guide typically leads the process, using multiple sounds, textures, and smells to help you relax and evoke calmness.

3) Focused Meditation

Here you focus on the sound of your breathing or you chant a mantra. This works for your brain just like the bicep curl. When the mind wanders away, the practitioners bring the wandering thoughts back.

Do this when you want to improve your focus, remain present in life, and listen well. This process quickly improves concentration and can be done with just ten minutes of practice.

4) Breath Awareness Meditation

This mindful meditation technique encourages mindful breathing. Here, you breathe deeply and slowly, focusing on counting your breath.

The aim here is to focus on breathing and ignore any other thoughts entering the mind. This offers benefits similar to mindfulness like reduced anxiety, more emotional flexibility, and better concentration.

5) Spiritual Meditation

Used in Daoism and Hinduism along with the Christina faith, this meditation technique reflects on the surrounding silence and seeks a deep connection with the universe in general or God. You can enhance your meditation by using essential oils such as frankincense, sage, myrrh, palo santo, cedar, and sandalwood.

You can practice this type of meditation at any worshipping space or at home. Such practice is good for people thriving in silence or seeking spiritual growth.

6) Metta Meditation

The loving-kindness method is used to direct well wishes to others and involves the recitation of specific phrases and words that generate warm-hearted feelings.

This is common in vipassana meditation and mindfulness. Practice this while in a relaxed and comfortable position, directing loving-kindness in your direction. After this, you can picture a friend or family member you like and repeat this mantra again to send them good wishes.

Continue the process with other people. Try to include people you are at ads with. The final step is wishing that the world at large remains happy, turning this into a universal mantra.

7) Movement Meditation

Most people equate yoga with movement meditation. However, this method often includes walking in the woods, qigong, gardening, and a variety of gentle motions. The movement of the body is your guide in movement meditation. This method is ideal for practitioners who experience peace when in action.

8) Visualization Meditation

This technique involves mentally picturing a place you love that is serene and calm, like the mountains or the beach. These are the perfect places to relax. When visualizing, imagine the sounds of ocean waves with the sun falling on your skin. Imagine the fresh scent of beach air in your nostrils. The aim of the technique is to improve your mood as you picture somewhere where relaxation and peace rule. You can go to a destination that brings an instant sense of ease and calm with a sense of complete grounding.

Visualization Meditation can also be effective when imagining a dream or goal that is personal to you. For example, if you want a certain job, visualize yourself already in the position. Picture your colleagues, your work apparel, and the layout of the workplace. Another method is to picture a person in your mind, seeing them in a positive light and thinking a world of good about them.

9) Zen Meditation

This form of meditation is a Buddhist practice that involves working under a master to learn the associated postures and steps. Here, you want to achieve a comfortable posture with a focus on breathing while observing one’s thoughts mindfully without any judgment. This requires more practice and discipline than mindfulness meditation and helps the practitioners to seek a spiritual path and relaxation.

10) Chakra Meditation

Chakra means “wheel” in the Sanskrit language, referring to the spiritual power of the body and its energy centers. There are seven chakras with each one located at a different location in the body and having a corresponding hue. This method involves relaxation techniques that focus on well-being and balance. Such techniques may involve visually identifying each chakra along with its corresponding colour. People may opt to use crystals or light incense to help with concentration.

So, Whinch One You Choose?

Meditation involves deep thinking and mental focus. You can achieve this by chanting mantras or by being in silence. The reasons for practicing can vary. Some do it for spiritual and religious purposes or simply to relax. This has gained popularity through the years as a method to manage stress successfully.

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