Meditation won’t make you a better person or transform you into someone else. What meditation will do is make your mind and body halthy, change your sense of perception. Meditation aims at the reduction of stress, pain, anxiety, and depression. It gifts you with peace of mind. Over recent years, it has gained immense popularity and is practiced by a huge number of people daily. There various types of meditation that benefit its practitioners in several ways.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindful meditation is considered to be the most popular type in the west. It emanates from the Buddhist teachings. The word mindfulness means maintaining a moment by moment awareness of one’s thoughts, bodily senses, and our neighboring environment. So in simple words, it is paying attention to the thoughts that pass our minds. We should not get involved in any of the thoughts, just observe them.
While you are observing your thoughts you can concentrate on either your breath or any object. You won’t require a professional to guide you through this process, you can easily practice it on your own. The goal behind this particular practice is accepting and sensing your present thoughts not judging it, not to rehash your past and future thoughts.
Spiritual Meditation
Spiritual meditation is very much similar to praying, this type is popularly practiced by eastern religions such as Hinduism, Daoism, and also by the people following Christianity. In this type, you reflect on the silence around you and try to connect with the universe or the divine power. The aim here is ‘spiritual enlightenment’, but it’s a long journey. You won’t receive your goals overnight. To accomplish this goal of ‘spiritual realization’ you will require patience and discipline in abundance.
Various people use essential oils to enhance their spiritual experiences. It is highly beneficial for those who prosper in silence and pursue spiritual growth. It isn’t essential that you have to practice this type only at a place of worship, you can also do it at your home or any place you are comfortable.
Focused Meditation
This practice is ideal for those who lack focus in real life. As the name suggests, in focused meditation, you have to focus on some internal stimulus or external stimulus. The internal stimulus includes focusing on our breath or your heartbeat, on the other hand, the external stimulus includes counting mala beads, listening to a gong, or simply staring at the candle flame.
This type might sound very simple but is very difficult to practice. Especially for beginners, it would be extremely tough to focus but you must make sure that you refocus your attention whenever it tries to wander. It not only enhances your focusing skills but also your memory.
Movement Meditation
Movement Meditation is an active form of meditation where you let the movement guide you through the whole process. The moment can include any form of motion that is gentle to perform like taking a stroll in the woods, gardening, etc. It is very beneficial for those who find action peaceful and prefer to let their minds wander peacefully.
It is a great choice for those who are restless and cannot sit in one particular place to meditate. This also helps the body to release its physical tension and regulate blood circulation. It is a great way to calm your mind along with creating awareness. While practicing this type, you must try to focus on the movement of your body instead of the goal of the movement.
Mantra Meditation
Mantra meditation, as the name suggests is meditating while chanting the mantra. The mantra can be chanted, whispered, or repeated in one’s mind. It is formed by two important components; mindfulness meditation and mantra recitation. People perform this to protect themselves from various unwelcomed distractions and unwanted emotions. This type allows us to be more alert, adapt to the environment, and acquire the deepest level of awareness.
It is an ideal choice for those who find it easier to focus on one particular mantra rather than focusing on their breathing and also for those who dislike complete silence. It even has the potential to overcome sleeplessness and their fears. A mantra can be anything, it can be religious phrases like OM or short affirmation like; I am content at this moment, I will let my heart guide me, etc.
Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental meditation is quite popular around the world. This type is even more customizable compared to Mantra meditation. This practice is especially for those who love structure and are very disciplined about their meditation practice. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced this to the world.
You need to learn this practice from experts before performing it on your own. It is effective in settling down your nervous system and giving it a much-needed break automatically reducing your stress. It also has a positive effect on your blood pressure, immune system, sleeping pattern, eating habits, etc. Research also suggests that it can also make you efficient and wise.