A Guide to 7 Different Types of Meditation
Being mindful means being aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not being overly reactive to what’s going on around us. Mindfulness meditation is the process of being fully present with your thoughts. You observe your thoughts and emotions but let them pass without judgement.
Transcendental Meditation
A simple technique in which a personally assigned mantra, such as a word, sound, or small phrase, is repeated in a specific way. It is practiced 20 minutes twice a day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed.
- The idea is that this technique will allow you to settle inward to a profound state of relaxation and rest, with the goal of achieving inner peace.
Loving Kindness Meditation
Directing well wishes toward others
- Rites specific words and phrases meant to evoke warm-hearted feelings
- Practitioners are encouraged to visualize people they have difficulty with
- End with the universal mantra “May all being everywhere be happy”
Chakra Meditation
Chakra is an ancient Sanskrit word that translates to “wheel,” and can be traced back to India
- There are thought to be seven chakras. Each chakra is located at a different part of the body and each has a corresponding color.
- Chakras refer to the centers of energy and spiritual power in the body.
Guided Meditation
This is a method of meditation in which you form mental pictures or situations that you find relaxing.
- The process is typically led by a guide or teacher, hence “guided.”
- It’s often suggested to use as many senses as possible, such as smell, sounds, and textures, to evoke calmness.
Yoga Meditation
The practice of yoga dates back to ancient India
- There are a wide variety of classes and styles of yoga, but they all involve performing a series of postures and controlled breathing exercises meant to promote flexibility and calm the mind
- Which style of meditation you decide to try depends on a number of factors
Vipassana Meditation
An ancient Indian form of meditation that means to see things as they really are
- The goal is self-transformation through self-observation
- Discipline attention to physical sensations in the body to establish a deep connection between mind and body
- Continuous interconnectedness results in a balanced mind full of compassion