Did you know there is more than one type of meditation? In fact, there are countless forms of meditation – each of which has different goals and methods. The question then is which type of meditation is right for you and how do you get started with the one you choose? This guide will help you to understand more and decide.
Mindfulness Meditation
We’ll start with this one as it’s the type many people may be familiar with since it has become so popular recently. Mindfulness meditation comes from cognitive behavioural therapy – a psychotherapeutic approach in psychology. The idea here is not to empty your mind of thoughts – as it is in many other forms – but rather to try and detach yourself from those thoughts and not be affected by them. Note which thoughts float by but don’t try to change them.
Body Scan Meditation
Closely linked to mindfulness meditation is body scan meditation – this is a form of meditation that involves focusing on each part of your body and progressively relaxing. It’s great for refreshing the brain and chilling after a hard day.
Transcendental Meditation
This is another of the more popular and well known forms of meditation. The goal here is to clear your mind and to do so usually by focusing on a mantra or perhaps an imaginary point in space. Doing this can help you to eventually close down areas of your brain while retaining consciousness.
Loving Kindness Meditation
Loving kindness meditation is a form of meditation that involves focusing your mind on a specific feeling – in this case love and kindness! By doing this, you will feel happier and you will become better at forgiving people. It also feels fantastic in the moment.
Kundalini Yoga Meditation
Kundalini yoga meditation is a form of moving meditation. The idea here is to move gently into different positions while focusing on controlling your breathing and staying calm and focussed. The result can be highly relaxing while also improving your overall health and wellness.
Religious Meditation
Religious practitioners can engage in meditation by focusing deeply on a passage of text from their scripture or on a prayer.
Zazen
Zazen is a form of meditation associated with Zen Buddhism which must be taught under the leadership of an instructor and involves a number of specific steps. The objective is once again to focus primarily on detaching yourself from your thoughts and letting go of judgement.