The Different Types of Meditation

Meditation has been used for thousands of years as a tool for spiritual growth by Rishis and Yogis as an alternative medicine approach to support the balance of mind-body alignment. Meditation can help optimize the immune system by reducing negative thoughts and interrupting the focus on negative or unwanted sensations. Read on to learn more about meditation and the different types of meditation.

What is meditation?

Everyone from wellness experts to social media influencers talk about the benefits of meditation, but what is meditation? For many people, meditation seems like an abstract concept, but it offers real benefits.

Think of meditation like a mental exercise where you focus on one thing. This one thing might be your breath, or a specific feeling in your body, a song or even an object in your room. Focusing on this one thing is done to increase the ability be present in the moment and to shift focus away from stress or unwanted thoughts or sensations.

Types of Meditation

There are many different types of meditation. Many of these meditation exercises come from a spiritual origin like Buddhism or Hinduism. Mindfulness is probably the most known type of meditation today. Below are a few types of meditation examples.

Guided meditations

Guided meditation is one type of meditation. Guided meditation is good for beginners who need a little help to get started. Online there are lots of different resources for guided meditations videos. There are different types of meditations devoted to a variety of purposes like letting go of anger or reducing stress, for example. Think of an area where you want to improve and then google it. Chances are you will find a video for a guided meditation on that topic. Below are three different types of meditation videos.

Here is a guided mediation for positive energy, peace and light.

Here is a guided meditation for stress and anxiety.

Here is a guided meditation for beginners.

Focus on an object

If your mind tends to race a lot and you have trouble reigning it in, then try focusing on a candle or another object. It will be easier to hold your attention with something to focus on. Start small, like setting a timer for one minute, and then increase that focused attention 30 seconds at a time. When you notice the mind wandering, which is will, redirect your attention back to the object of focus.

Mantra meditation

Another technique is to repeat certain words over and over again. They should be words that have specific positive meaning to you. Examples of mantra meditation might be “here and now” or “let go” people find to be helpful.

Visualization

Visualizing a person or a setting that you find soothing can also be an effective technique. This person or setting can be real or imagined. Just think of something, somewhere or someone that brings you joy and keep your attention there.

Movement-based meditations

Sometimes meditation is combined with physical movement. Qigong, Tai Chi and yoga are examples of movement based-meditations that aim to restore inner balance and are different types of meditation. Qigong and Tai Chi are gentle movement exercises, while yoga can more strenuous on the body.

Here is seven minute Qigong practice to awaken the body and mind.

For a long time, meditation remained solely in the spiritual realm. Now, however, more and more people are embracing meditation to deal with the stress of everyday life. The benefits of meditation are many and there are different types of meditation. Find a type of meditation what works for you and consider incorporating a type of meditation into your daily routine. If you are interested in learning more about meditation, contact Cope Better Therapy and schedule an appointment with a therapist that fits your needs. We look forward to hearing from you.