There are different types of meditation. We will discuss a few popular types.
There are nine popular types of meditation practice:
- mindfulness meditation
- spiritual meditation
- focused meditation
- movement meditation
- mantra meditation
- transcendental meditation
- progressive relaxation
- loving-kindness meditation
- visualization meditation
1. Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation originates from Buddhist teachings and is good for people who practice alone without a guide.
In mindfulness meditation, you pay attention to your thoughts as they pass through your mind. You don’t judge the thoughts or become involved with them. You simply observe and take note of any patterns. This practice combines concentration with awareness. You may find it helpful to focus on an object or your breath while you observe any bodily sensations, thoughts, or feelings.
2. Spiritual meditation
Spiritual meditation is used in Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Daoism, and in Christian faith. This practice is beneficial for those who thrive in silence and seek spiritual growth.
Essential oils are commonly used to heighten the spiritual experience. Popular options include
- frankincense
- myrrh
- sage
- cedar
- sandalwood
- palo santo
3. Focused meditation
Focused meditation involves concentration using any of the five senses. For example, you can focus on something internal, like your breath, or you can bring in external influences to help focus your attention. It maybe difficult for beginners.
Try counting mala beads, listening to a gong, or staring at a candle flame.
4. Movement meditation
Although most people think of yoga when they hear movement meditation, this practice may include walking through the woods, gardening, qigong, and other gentle forms of motion. It’s an active form of meditation where the movement guides you.
Movement meditation is good for people who find peace in action and prefer to let their minds wander.
5. Mantra meditation
Mantra meditation is prominent in many teachings, including Hindu and Buddhist traditions. This type of meditation uses a repetitive sound to clear the mind. It can be a word, phrase, or sound, such as the popular “Om.”
It doesn’t matter if your mantra is spoken loudly or quietly. After chanting the mantra for some time, you’ll be more alert and in tune with your environment.
6. Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental Meditation is a popular type of meditation. This practice is for those who like structure. It is more customizable than mantra meditation, using a mantra or series of words that are specific to each practitioner.
7. Progressive relaxation
Also known as body scan meditation, progressive relaxation is a practice aimed at reducing tension in the body and promoting relaxation. This form of meditation involves slowly tightening and relaxing one muscle group at a time throughout the body. A great way to relieve stress and unwind.
8. Loving-kindness meditation
Loving-kindness meditation is used to strengthen feelings of compassion, kindness, and acceptance toward oneself and others. This meditation is intended to promote compassion and kindness, it may be ideal for those holding feelings of anger or resentment.
It typically involves opening the mind to receive love from others and then sending a series of well wishes to loved ones, friends, acquaintances, and all living beings.
9. Visualization meditation
Visualization meditation is a technique focused on enhancing feelings of relaxation, peace, and calmness by visualizing positive scenes or images. Imagining yourself succeeding at specific goals, which is intended to increase focus and motivation. With this practice, use all five senses to add as much detail as possible to your image.
Hopefully you can find a meditation practice that resonates with you. These practices are helpful in reducing stress, promoting inner peace and will boost your mood.
Just keeping you informed!
Reference
Bertone, H. (2020). Which Type of Meditation Is Right for Me? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/types-of-meditation#mindfulness-meditation
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