Mediation is an ancient tradition. However, it’s still practiced in cultures worldwide to create a sense of inner harmony and calmness. Every religion, community, and school of thought practices some kind of mediation due to its healing effects.
Meditation helps you cope with the day-to-day pressure and stressors of life. It cuts through various cultures and religions and is less about faith and more about becoming mindful, focused, and peaceful. It’s the best way to become more aware of your speech, actions, and thoughts.
There are various types and styles of mediations. However, not all kinds are suitable for everyone. Each practice requires a different skill-set and mindset. Understanding the different types of mediations and how you practice them can help you find out which one is right for you. Let’s discuss these down below:
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation roots from Buddhist teachings and is, without doubt, one of the most popular meditation techniques in the West.
Mindfulness meditation allows you to focus on your thoughts while they pass through your mind. Moreover, you don’t judge your thoughts. You simply observe them and take notes.
Mindfulness meditation combines concentration with awareness. For example, focusing on an object or your breath may be helpful while you observe your thoughts, bodily sensations, or feelings. It is best for those who don’t have a teacher and practice alone.
Loving-Kindness Meditation
Loving-kindness meditation, otherwise known as Metta meditation, is dedicated to helping you cultivate an attitude of kindness and love towards everything. It includes your enemies and sources of stress and anxiety.
While breathing deeply, practitioners open their minds to receiving kindness and love. Next, they reciprocate the message to the world and their loved ones. In most forms of meditation, the key is to repeat a mantra multiple times until you feel the attitude of loving-kindness.
Loving-kindness mediation is curated to promote feelings of love and compassion, both for oneself and others. It’s best for those affected by:
- Anger
- Resentment
- Frustration
- Interpersonal conflict
Plus, loving-kindness meditation can increase positive emotions and may reduce anxiety, PSTD, and depression.
Movement Meditation
Most types of meditation encourage you to remain in a single position; however, movement meditation focuses on helping you move your body. It is a form of mindful movement associated with tai chi, yoga, and other practices.
Committing to some form of physical discipline is super beneficial for your body, as well as your mind. Once you start moving around, you can expand your awareness to include other things that keep you moving like walking the dog, playing golf, gardening, washing up, and so on.
In all cases, the movement of your body is the main focus of meditation. It is a good choice for those who have trouble sitting in a position for prolonged hours.
To Sum it Up
Meditation offers numerous therapeutical and health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, decreasing pain, easing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improving sleep.
Go beyond your comfort zone and enjoy trying the different types of meditation. It might take some time to figure out which style fits you, so don’t be afraid of minor errors here and there.
Sources
https://mindworks.org/blog/different-types-meditation-technique/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320392#types-of-meditation
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/types-of-meditation#overview
