Different Types of Meditation

There are many different ways to meditate, but there are several basic approaches. If you’re not sure which meditation style is right for you, this guide will help you understand the different types of meditation and find a method that’s best for your personality.

Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on your breathing or on a particular object. It is great for beginners because it doesn’t require any special equipment — just a quiet place where you can sit comfortably. One example is to focus on a particular object in the room. This object should be something that’s interesting but not moving. It could be a painting, a picture frame, a candle, a vase of flowers, or any other object you like. Spend at least five minutes on each object before moving on to the next one. If your mind starts wandering, gently bring it back to the object.

Transcendental meditation

Transcendental meditation is another effective way to quiet the mind. It involves repeating a word or phrase in your mind to help clear your thoughts. TM is also available in group sessions, so if you don’t have time to meditate at home, check out local TM classes. Although the exact process varies, meditators are told to focus on a specific mantra for 20 minutes, repeating it over and over again. Some people find that repeating the same mantra for several months helps them reach a state of transcendence, where they experience no thoughts.

Guided meditation

Guided meditation is similar to mindfulness meditation in that it involves calming the body and mind by focusing on your breathing, but guided meditation also incorporates imagery to help define your goals in life. Guided imagery can be a powerful way to eliminate anxiety and stress from daily living. It originated with the use of spoken words to help people reach a meditative state. Today, guided meditation is typically done through the use of recorded audio tracks. Some guided imagery uses video recordings as well as audio, but most are created using only audio tracks.

Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises are another effective form of relaxation. They encourage deep breathing that helps reduce anxiety and stress. Deep breathing has been shown to improve concentration and focus as well as contribute to overall physical health and well-being. The first step is to find a quiet place where you’ll have some privacy. Sit in a comfortable position, either on a chair or on the floor with your legs crossed. Close your eyes and begin to focus on your breathing, taking slow deep breaths as if you were filling up your lungs from the bottom up. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through pursed lips as if blowing out a candle. Repeat this until you feel relaxed enough to proceed.