No matter how often or what types of meditation you practice, it is good for you. Even doctors in the Western world are now recommending meditation as nutrition for the soul. It will increase your overall mental, spiritual, and physical health. Once you have decided to practice meditation, it is good to know what types there are, how to implement them, and which will work the best for you. This article will explain six different types of common meditation.
Perhaps the most well-known and popular form of meditation in the Western world is Mindfulness Meditation, or Vipassana. This is rooted in Buddhist tradition and is based on detachment from thoughts as well as an awareness of breath. Do not try to control your breath or limit your thoughts, rather just attempt to practice detaching from each thought as it arises and take note of your breathing patterns.
Zen Meditation is commonly recognized as the form of "just sitting." It is a minimal type of meditation where you sit for long periods of time in correct posture, but otherwise contains little guidance. Achieving true Zen meditation may be difficult, as it was developed for a monastic setting.
Similar to Zen meditation there is Transcendental Meditation, however this is rooted in the Hindu tradition. Also practiced by sitting in either the Lotus or half-Lotus posture, a specifically chosen mantra or sacred word is mentally repeated over and over again. The particular focus is to rise above all that is impermanent in hopes of eventually achieving an out-of-body experience. Focus on breath is also important.
Another form of Hindu meditation is Kundalini. The objective of this type of meditation is to become aware of the constantly rising stream of energy that exists in the body, coursing through the chakra energy system. Focus on breath is important as each breath is used to move the energy upward in the body towards the crown chakra.
Heart-Rhythm Meditation focuses on the breath and heartbeat, attempting to make the rhythms of both full, deep, rich and balanced. The focus is to identify oneself with the heart and make that the center of your energetic system, with an objective of increasing your power, sensitivity and compassion.
Another type of meditation popular in the Western world is guided visualization. Concentration and focus are placed upon certain, specific imagery or an imagined peaceful environment. This particular type of meditation has no established roots in one spiritual tradition, and it is often accompanied by a guided meditation recording.
With practice of each of these different types of meditation, you will eventually discover which one works the best for you. Remember that consistent practice is the best and only way to achieve true results.
Perhaps the most well-known and popular form of meditation in the Western world is Mindfulness Meditation, or Vipassana. This is rooted in Buddhist tradition and is based on detachment from thoughts as well as an awareness of breath. Do not try to control your breath or limit your thoughts, rather just attempt to practice detaching from each thought as it arises and take note of your breathing patterns.
Zen Meditation is commonly recognized as the form of "just sitting." It is a minimal type of meditation where you sit for long periods of time in correct posture, but otherwise contains little guidance. Achieving true Zen meditation may be difficult, as it was developed for a monastic setting.
Similar to Zen meditation there is Transcendental Meditation, however this is rooted in the Hindu tradition. Also practiced by sitting in either the Lotus or half-Lotus posture, a specifically chosen mantra or sacred word is mentally repeated over and over again. The particular focus is to rise above all that is impermanent in hopes of eventually achieving an out-of-body experience. Focus on breath is also important.
Another form of Hindu meditation is Kundalini. The objective of this type of meditation is to become aware of the constantly rising stream of energy that exists in the body, coursing through the chakra energy system. Focus on breath is important as each breath is used to move the energy upward in the body towards the crown chakra.
Heart-Rhythm Meditation focuses on the breath and heartbeat, attempting to make the rhythms of both full, deep, rich and balanced. The focus is to identify oneself with the heart and make that the center of your energetic system, with an objective of increasing your power, sensitivity and compassion.
Another type of meditation popular in the Western world is guided visualization. Concentration and focus are placed upon certain, specific imagery or an imagined peaceful environment. This particular type of meditation has no established roots in one spiritual tradition, and it is often accompanied by a guided meditation recording.
With practice of each of these different types of meditation, you will eventually discover which one works the best for you. Remember that consistent practice is the best and only way to achieve true results.
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