The importance of meditation has been widely studied and documented.
It’s not only beneficial for emotional healing, but it’s helpful physically and spiritually.
Meditation:
As the field is continuously being studied, new knowledge is emerging, and the different types of meditation are becoming a focus.
Ten people can give ten different definitions of meditation and they will all be correct! Meditation encompasses a diverse range of practices, each with its own unique techniques and goals.
As we broaden our understanding of the technique, it is important that we understand the common types and what they can hep us achieve.
Let's first take a look at some of the more popular types of meditation:
This type of meditation originates from Buddhist traditions that has gained popularity in contemporary settings, especially in the field of mental health and well-being.
It focuses on cultivating awareness of the present moment. It is probably one of the most common types of meditation, where practitioners observe their thoughts and sensations without attachment or judgment.
Here, you focus on the present moment, including thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. The practice encourages individuals to observe their thoughts and sensations without becoming attached to them or reacting emotionally.
The key aspects of mindfulness meditation include:
As the name suggests, here you will be guided by a teacher or someone who is more experienced in meditation.
This is the best kind of meditation for someone who is just starting and has no clear idea of what they should be doing. Traditionally, this was done in person but thanks to technology, many people all over the world can join a guided meditation session online.
When choosing this kind of meditation, it is essential to do sufficient research and go ahead with a teacher or instructor whom you think can benefit you the most. There are so many options, so once you know what you’re hoping to achieve, find someone who focuses on helping people achieve that.
You can get started here, with one of our beginner Guided Meditation videos! →
Mantra meditation involves repeating a word, phrase, or sound (mantra) to focus the mind and induce a state of tranquility. You choose a mantra that resonates with you and your current situation. Repeatedly saying this mantra helps you change your mindset or perspective.
It differs for almost everyone in some way, but for me, it involves starting the day by repeating words of affirmation such as, ‘I am worthy, I am successful, etc.’ to myself.
This tends to help me go through the day with a positive outlook. Sometimes during the day, you might need to remind yourself of your mantra. This will help you stay grounded in your beliefs.
This kind of meditation is closely linked to spirituality and encompasses focusing on creating an understanding of your spiritual meaning, purpose or relation to a higher power. It is normally used for the purpose of developing a deeper connection with a higher being or with your spiritual self.
Considering the importance of spirituality for humans, there is no doubt that spiritual meditation is common and it exists in most if not all religions. It is great for those looking to improve or advance their spiritual well-being.
Just like mantra meditation, it involves the repeated use of a mantra, often silently, to facilitate a state of relaxed awareness.
It aims to allow the mind to settle into a state of restful alertness, and go above your current state of being. This form of meditation is not easy for most people so it might be ideal to start off by finding a transcendental meditation teacher to guide you through the first attempts.
Loving-kindness Meditation (Metta): Metta meditation is rooted in Buddhist traditions and involves cultivating feelings of love and compassion toward yourself and others. Practitioners repeat phrases or affirmations to generate positive emotions.
Body Scan Meditation: In this practice, attention is systematically directed to different parts of the body, promoting awareness and relaxation. It is often used as a relaxation technique and is part of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs.
Zen Meditation (Zazen): Zazen is a form of seated meditation in Zen Buddhism. It involves sitting in a specific posture, focusing on the breath, and observing thoughts without attachment.
Vipassana Meditation: Vipassana, meaning, "clear seeing" or "insight," is an ancient form of meditation that aims to develop insight into the nature of reality. Practitioners observe bodily sensations and gain a deep understanding of impermanence and suffering.
Chakra Meditation: Rooted in Hindu and yogic traditions, chakra meditation involves focusing on the body's energy centers (chakras) to balance and align them. Each chakra is associated with specific qualities and emotions.
Walking Meditation: Unlike traditional sitting meditation, walking meditation involves mindful walking. Practitioners pay attention to each step and breath, fostering awareness in motion.
Yoga Nidra: Also known as yogic sleep, this practice involves guided relaxation and a state of conscious awareness between wakefulness and sleep. It aims to induce deep relaxation and alleviate stress.
Breath Awareness Meditation: Focusing on the breath is a common meditation technique. Practitioners observe the breath without trying to control it, promoting relaxation and mindfulness.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more meditation techniques and variations.
The key is to find a practice that resonates with you and fits your preferences and goals. These types can overlap in practice, and there is nothing wrong with that. There is no one correct way of meditating so don’t be hard on yourself. As long as you get the benefits, you are successful!.
The common benefits of meditation may include:
It's important to note that meditation is a skill that develops with regular practice.
Many people find it helpful to start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable with the practice. There are various resources available, including:
These can all help support individuals in incorporating mindfulness into their daily lives.
Meditation can be done anywhere, so if you haven’t tried it yet, give it a try and let us know how you like it!
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