9 Types Of Meditation
9 Types Of Meditation
Which Meditation Method Is Best for Me?
What is the purpose of meditation?
Although meditation is an old tradition, it is still used to promote peace and inner harmony in civilizations all over the world. Here are 9 Types of Meditation.
Although meditation has connections to a variety of religious traditions, it is more about transforming consciousness, gaining awareness, and reaching serenity than it is about faith.
Meditation is becoming more popular these days, as there is a growing need to relieve stress amidst our hectic schedules and demanding lifestyles.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to meditation, it is critical to choose one that matches your requirements and compliments your personality.
9 Types Of Meditation
There are nine different forms of meditation:
- meditation on mindfulness
- meditation on the spiritual
- meditation that is centered
- meditation via movement
- Meditation with mantras
- meditation on the sublime
- progressive unwinding
- Meditation on loving-kindness
- meditation visualization
Not every meditation style is suitable for everyone. Different skills and mindsets are required for each of these pursuits. What criteria do you use to determine which practice is best for you?
Mira Dessy, a meditation author, and holistic nutritionist, adds, “It’s what feels comfortable and what you feel encouraged to do.”
Continue reading to find out more about the different forms of meditation and how to get started. Check out the 9 Types of Meditation below :
1. Meditation On Mindfulness
The most common meditation practice in the West is mindfulness meditation, which is based on Buddhist teachings.
You pay attention to your ideas as they travel through your mind in mindfulness meditation. You don’t judge or become engaged with the thoughts. You just look for patterns and make a note of them.
This technique combines focus and awareness. When observing bodily sensations, thoughts, or feelings, the following 9 Types of Meditation may be helpful to you and create focus on the item or your breath.
This form of meditation is ideal for those who don’t have access to an instructor because it can be done alone.
2. Meditation On The Spiritual
Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Daoism, as well as the Christian faith, employ spiritual meditation.
It’s comparable to prayer in that you focus on the stillness around you and seek a closer relationship with your God or Universe.
Essential oils are frequently used to enhance spiritual encounters. Among the most popular choices are:
- frankincense
- myrrh
- sage
- cedar
- sandalwood
- Santo palo
Spiritual meditation can be done at home or in a religious setting. Those who thrive in quiet and desire spiritual growth will benefit from this exercise.
3. meditation that is centered
Concentration on any of the five senses is required for focused meditation.
You can, for example, concentrate on something internal, such as your breathing, or you can bring in external stimuli to assist you focus.
Counting mala beads, listening to a gong, or looking at a candle flame are all good ways to relax.
Although this exercise appears straightforward in principle, novices may find it challenging to maintain their attention for more than a few minutes at first.
It’s critical to return to the practice and refocus whenever your mind wanders.
This technique is great for anyone who needs more focus in their lives, as the name implies.
4. meditation via movement
Although most people associate movement meditation with yoga, it may also involve strolling in the woods, gardening, qigong, and other peaceful kinds of movement.
It’s a type of active meditation in which you’re guided by your movements.
People who find serenity in motion and like to let their minds wander would benefit from movement meditation.
5. Meditation with mantras
Many systems, including Hindu and Buddhist traditions, emphasize mantra meditation. To cleanse the mind, this kind of meditation employs a repeating sound. It might be a word, phrase, or sound, like the well-known “Om.”
It makes no difference whether you say your mantra loudly or quietly. You’ll be more attentive and in tune with your surroundings after reciting the mantra for a while. This helps you to reach higher states of consciousness.
Some people prefer mantra meditation because it is simpler to concentrate on a single word rather than their breath. This is also an excellent exercise for those who like repetition but dislike stillness.
6. meditation on the sublime
A prominent kind of meditation is Transcendental Meditation. The scientific community has conducted several research on this technique.
It uses a mantra or set of phrases that are unique to each practitioner, making it more adjustable than mantra meditation.
This meditation practice is for people who enjoy structure and are dedicated to their meditation practice.
7. progressive unwinding
Progressive relaxation, often known as body scan meditation, is a technique for lowering bodily tension and increasing relaxation.
This type of meditation frequently entails gradually tightening and relaxing one muscle group at a time throughout the body.
In certain situations, it may also be helpful to visualize a calm wave moving through your body to help you relax.
This type of meditation is frequently used to reduce tension and relax before going to bed.
8. Meditation on loving-kindness
Loving-kindness Compassion, kindness, and acceptance toward oneself and others are strengthened via meditation.
It usually entails allowing one’s thoughts to be open to receiving love from others and then sending a sequence of good wishes to loved ones, friends, acquaintances, and all living beings.
Because this form of meditation aims to cultivate compassion and love, it might be beneficial for those who are angry or resentful.
9. Meditation visualization
Visualization meditation is a method that focuses on picturing pleasant sceneries or pictures to increase emotions of relaxation, serenity, and calmness.
It’s critical to visualize the situation clearly and utilize all five senses to add as much information as possible throughout this exercise.
Another type of vision meditation involves visualizing oneself achieving certain goals in order to improve attention and motivation.
Many individuals use visualization meditation to improve their mood, decrease stress, and find inner peace.
What should you do first?
The simplest approach to get started is to sit quietly and concentrate on your breathing. “You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes every day — unless you’re too busy,” according to an old Zen proverb. You should then sit for an hour.”
All jokes aside, it’s better to start small, even 5 or 10 minutes at a time, and work your way up.
Pedram Shojai, the author of “The Urban Monk” and creator of Well.org, advises “sitting regularly for 20 minutes a day for 100 days straight.”
“Add in an extra 2 to 5 minutes of meditation throughout the day to break up the chaos, and you’ll soon notice the difference.”
What are the advantages of meditation?
There’s a lot of data to back up meditation’s various advantages.
Meditation can assist in the following ways:
- blood pressure should be reduced
- decreases anxiety
- lessen the discomfort
- depression symptoms are alleviated
- sleep better
Those who practice regular meditation are sure of the benefits in their life, whether the benefits are anecdotal or scientifically established.
Last but not least
There is a meditation practice for everyone, whether you want to relieve stress or attain spiritual enlightenment, find quiet or flow through movement.
Don’t be scared to venture outside of your comfort zone and attempt new things. It’s generally a case of trial and error until you locate the right one.
“Meditation isn’t supposed to be forced,” Dessy explains. “If we force it, it will become a chore. Gentle, consistent practice becomes sustaining, helpful, and pleasurable with time.
Allow yourself to be surprised by the possibilities. There are so many different types of meditation to choose from that if one isn’t working or you’re not comfortable with it, try another.”