What Are The Different Types Of Meditation?

Hi, in this article we will cover many of the meditation practices, provide a brief overview, and how to perform them to give you a great start on your journey or refresher for those already practicing.

1. Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and your breath, without getting caught up in thoughts about the past or future. It's about bringing your attention to the present moment and noticing your thoughts and emotions without judgment.

To practice mindfulness meditation, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or lie down. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then, focus on your breath and the sensation of the air moving in and out of your body. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath. You can also try using a mantra, such as "in" and "out," to help you stay focused.

2. Transcendental meditation

Transcendental meditation involves the repetition of a mantra, which is a word or phrase that is repeated silently to oneself. The idea is to use the mantra as a way to focus the mind and still the thoughts.

To practice transcendental meditation, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or lie down. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then, choose a mantra and silently repeat it to yourself. You can use any word or phrase that has personal meaning to you, or you can use a mantra that has been traditionally used in meditation. As you repeat the mantra, focus on the sound and the sensation of your breath. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the mantra.

3. Loving-kindness meditation

Loving-kindness meditation, also known as metta meditation, involves focusing on feelings of love and compassion for oneself and others. It's about cultivating a sense of warmth and understanding towards oneself and others, and letting go of negative emotions such as anger and resentment.

To practice loving-kindness meditation, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or lie down. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then, bring to mind someone you love and feel gratitude and appreciation for them. As you do this, silently repeat a phrase such as "may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be at peace." Then, bring to mind someone you have neutral feelings towards, and repeat the same phrase. Finally, bring to mind someone you have difficulty with, and try to cultivate feelings of love and understanding towards them. As you do this, you may find it helpful to visualize sending love and compassion to these people.

4. Body scan meditation

Body scan meditation involves focusing on the sensations in each part of the body, from the top of the head to the tips of the toes. It's about bringing your attention to the present moment and becoming more aware of your body and how it feels.

To practice body scan meditation, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can lie down. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then, bring your attention to the top of your head and notice any sensations you feel. Slowly work your way down through the body, focusing on each part for a few breaths. As you do this, try to be present with any sensations you feel, without judgment. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the body.

5. Zazen meditation

Zazen is a type of meditation that is practiced in Zen Buddhism. It involves sitting in a comfortable and upright position, with the eyes half-closed and the hands resting on the lap. The focus is on the breath and the present moment, and the goal is to let go of all thoughts and distractions.

To practice zazen meditation, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit on a cushion or chair. Take a seated position, with your legs crossed or your feet flat on the ground. Place your hands on your lap or knees, with the palms facing up. Close your eyes or lower your gaze, and focus on your breath. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.

6. Vipassana meditation

Vipassana meditation is a type of insight meditation that involves observing the present moment and the sensations in the body with an open and non-judgmental mind. It's about developing a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the impermanence of all things.

To practice vipassana meditation, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or lie down. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then, bring your attention to the present moment and the sensations in your body. Notice any feelings or thoughts that arise, but try to observe them without judgment or attachment. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the present moment.

7. Which leads us to the Chakra Meditation and my personal favourite.

Chakra meditation is a type of meditation that focuses on the chakras, which are energy centers in the body that are believed to play a role in physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. There are seven main chakras in the body, each associated with different aspects of our lives.

To practice chakra meditation, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or lie down. Begin by closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths.

Then, bring your attention to the root chakra, located at the base of the spine. Visualize a bright red light in this area, and focus on the feeling of being grounded and rooted to the earth.

Next, move your attention to the sacral chakra, located just below the naval. Visualize a bright orange light in this area, and focus on the feeling of creativity and sexuality.

Then, move your attention to the solar plexus chakra, located in the abdomen. Visualize a bright yellow light in this area, and focus on the feeling of personal power and self-esteem.

Next, move your attention to the heart chakra, located in the center of the chest. Visualize a bright green light in this area, and focus on the feeling of love and compassion.

Then, move your attention to the throat chakra, located at the base of the throat. Visualize a bright blue light in this area, and focus on the feeling of communication and self-expression.

Next, move your attention to the third eye chakra, located between the eyebrows. Visualize a bright indigo light in this area, and focus on the feeling of intuition and insight.

Finally, move your attention to the crown chakra, located at the top of the head. Visualize a bright violet light in this area, and focus on the feeling of enlightenment and spiritual connection.

As you focus on each chakra, take a few deep breaths and try to allow any tension or negativity to flow out of your body. When you're finished, take a moment to sit in silence and soak up the positive energy you've created.

Chakra meditation can be a powerful way to bring balance and harmony to the body and mind, and to connect with your inner self on a deeper level. It can be especially helpful for those who are feeling out of balance or who are dealing with physical or emotional issues.

So there you have it, like most things it may take trying a few techniques and practice of course before you find the one that suits you the most... however, regardless of the method you choose the benefits experienced will be life changing!

I hope you got as much value out of this article as we did, look forward to catching up next time! Take care.