Meditation is a tradition that people have been doing in different cultures for years and years. They use this to bring calmness and peace in life.
There are different types of teachings and religious undertones that go with meditation, but it is more about calming your mind, being aware and having peace.
Since life is so stressful, now is a time to be calm and to learn to quiet your mind and this has made meditation so much more popular.
There is no real way or wrong way to meditate, and it is a practice that you can do that will build you up and help you to be stronger in your life.
Here are some of the most known meditation practices:
- Mindfulness meditation
- Spiritual meditation
- Mantra meditation
- Focused meditation
- Visualization meditation
- Loving meditation
- Movement meditation
- Progressive meditation
- Transcendental meditation
There are so many styles that not all styles might not be for you but if you use your skills and your mindset then you can find the one that works best in your life.
Do what you feel most comfortable with and once you learn the different kinds of meditation you can figure out which one is best for you.
Mindful Meditation
Mindful meditation is when you take time to look at your thoughts and make sure that you are paying attention to how you are acting and thinking.
When you are more aware of what you are thinking, it can help you to focus on your sensations and your feelings.
This is a great meditation if you don’t have someone teaching or guiding you and it is easy to do.
Spiritual Meditation
Spiritual meditation is known in Buddhism and Hinduism and other Eastern religions. This is when you stay quiet so that you can connect with the universe.
Some people will use different essential oils when they meditate, and they do it at home or in a special place. Some of the oils they use include:
- Sage
- Myrrh
- Cedar
- Palo Santo
Mantra Meditation
Mantra meditation is when you say mantras quietly as you sit and breathe. You can choose one phrase such as “om” and repeat it over and over. It allows you to go deeper in your mind and to be more aware.
Some people use this because it is easier to have a repetitive sound than just sitting quietly.
Focused Meditation
Focused meditation uses all of your senses. You can breathe deep, focus on what you are thinking about and relax.
Some people will use mala beads or will light a candle or will listen to sound therapy while meditating.
This is sometimes hard for people just starting because it is often hard to keep your mind from wandering. Try to focus and start small sessions when doing this meditation.
Visualization Meditation
Visualization meditation is when you imagine different things and you use all of your senses to see, smell and feel them. This allows you to focus on what you are imagining and to boost your awareness while getting rid of anxiety.
Loving Meditation
Loving meditation is when you learn to practice being kind and compassionate to yourself and to other people.
You open up your mind and your body to get love from the universe and you think of all the people that you love. You also think about the things around you such as plants and animals and how much you love them.
This can help you to get rid of anger that you are holding on to.
Movement Meditation
Movement meditation is doing yoga or other physical things such as gardening or walking while you meditate. You do different movements and let your mind be calm and concentrating on the world around you.
Progressive Meditation
Progressive meditation is when you try to get out the stress in your body. You relax one muscle group at a time.
This can help you to feel gentle and to be calm and to keep you stress free. Many people do this at bedtime to sleep better.
Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental meditation is when you use mantras or words, and you practice with someone in a structured like setting.
Starting Meditation Practices
The easiest ways to meditate is to calm down and to sit for about 15 or 20 minutes at first. Do this when you aren’t busy and when you can relax.
Start small though and do 5 minutes and if you have a hard time sitting, try even a couple of minutes at first. Try to do this for at least 100 days and then you will see that you can learn to sit longer and to learn to relax.
Why Meditate?
Meditation is known to have many good health effects such as:
- Bringing down the blood pressure.
- Getting rid of pain.
- Reducing stress.
- Getting rid of depression.
- Helping people to sleep better.
Even if these are not scientific proven methods, meditation has benefited many people and can help you too.
Conclusion
If you want to get rid of stress or build your spiritual self, you can do this by being calm and by meditating. There are different practices that you can do that fit your own meditation processes.
There is no wrong or right way to meditate and so do not be afraid to step out and try a new kind of meditation in your life.
Meditation is not meant to be forceful, but it is meant to be calm and gentle. It should be something that you love and that you find peace and enjoyment in.
Open yourself up to try different forms of meditation and see which ones you love.