The technique of meditation involves focusing the mind for a while while observing thoughts without actively participating in them. This is done for a variety of reasons, from religious or spiritual to simply relaxing, and it can be done silently or with the aid of chanting.

Meditation has become more popular as a stress-reduction technique in our fast-paced, modern environment. Additionally, research has shown that meditation might be a useful strategy in the fight against chronic conditions like depression, heart disease, and chronic pain.

This age-old tradition comes in a variety of ways.

These are seven different sorts of meditation practices that you may attempt if you’re interested in doing so but don’t know where to begin:

1. Meditation with Mindfulness

Being completely aware and present in the moment is the practice of mindfulness meditation. Being attentive entails being conscious of our surroundings and our actions as well as refraining from overreacting to them.

You can practice mindful meditation anyplace. Some folks would rather close their eyes, sit in a peaceful spot, and concentrate on their breathing. However, you have the freedom to choose to remain attentive at any time of day, even while you’re performing chores or traveling to and from work.

When you engage in mindfulness meditation, you pay attention to your thoughts and feelings yet allow them to pass judgment-free.

2. Transcendental Meditation

Although transcendental meditation may sound fancy, it’s really a simple method: You pick a mantra, which can be a word, phrase, or sound, and you repeat it twice a day for 20 minutes. Doing this while sitting with your eyes closed is ideal.

This type of meditation facilitates complete relaxation of the body and mind, allowing you to experience serenity and tranquility.

3. Guided Meditation

With guided meditation, also known as guided imagery or guided visualization, you create peaceful mental images or scenarios throughout your meditation sessions.

“Guided” refers to the fact that this procedure is usually led by a teacher or guide. According to Mindworks.org, it’s commonly advised to employ as many senses as you can to create a quiet environment in your resting area, including smells, sounds, and textures.

4. Vipassana Meditation

Seeing things as they truly are is known as vipassana, and it is an ancient Indian meditation technique. It has a history spanning over 2,500 years and is recognized for having sparked the American mindfulness movement.

Vipassana meditation uses self-observation to work toward self-transformation. A strong bond is formed between the mind and body when you direct your attention to bodily experiences. Teachers of the practice claim that this connectivity fosters love and compassion as well as mental equilibrium.

Vipassana is traditionally taught over the period of ten days, during which time trainees are forbidden from using alcohol or engaging in any sexual behavior.

5. Loving Kindness Meditation

Metta meditation, sometimes referred to as loving kindness meditation, is the act of sending positive energy to other people. Practitioners repeat particular words and phrases that are intended to create sentiments of kindness. This is also frequently observed in vipassana and mindfulness meditation.

It is usually done while seated in a calm, comfortable position. You take a few deep breaths, then gradually and gently repeat the phrases. Among these can be: “May I be content. I hope to be well. I hope I stay safe. May I live in tranquility and comfort.

Once you’ve given yourself some time to practice this loving kindness, you may start to visualize a friend or family member who has supported you and repeat the mantra, substituting “you” for “I.”

You can think about additional family members, friends, neighbors, or anyone in your life while you continue the meditation. Additionally, practitioners are urged to picture those with whom they struggle.

Lastly, you recite the global mantra, “May all beings everywhere be happy,” to conclude the meditation.

6. Chakra Meditation

The word “chakra,” which originates in ancient Sanskrit and means “wheel,” is rooted in India. The term “chakras” describes the body’s centers of spiritual and energetic force. Seven chakras are believed to exist. Every chakra has a matching color and is situated at various points along the spine.

The goal of chakra meditation is to balance and harmonize the chakras via the use of relaxation methods. Imagining the colors that correlate to each chakra in the body is one of these approaches. To aid with concentration during meditation, some people may decide to burn incense or utilize crystals that are color-coded according to each chakra.

Also Read: How to Activate Chakras in Human Body

7. Yoga Meditation

Yoga has been practiced since ancient India. Although there are many different types of yoga classes and practices, they all entail a sequence of postures and deliberate breathing techniques designed to increase flexibility and induce mental calmness.

Practitioners are advised to focus less on outside distractions and more on the present moment since the poses call for balance and attention.

The type of meditation you choose to practice will rely on several things. Consult your physician about the best yoga style for you if you are new to the practice and have a medical issue.

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