Meditation, according to Yogapedia is the process of quieting the mind in order to spend time in through for relaxation or religious/spiritual purposes. It allows you to tune into your thoughts without being consumed by them. This makes it easier to focus on what truly matters and gives you space to quiet your mind.
While some forms of meditation are spiritual or religious that is not the case for all types of meditation. For example, there are many agnostics or atheists who practice mindfulness.
Here are just a few different types of mediation who can choose from:
Guided Meditation
Guided meditation is when you meditate with the guidance of a teacher or coach. For example, a middle school teacher might lead his students through a guided mindfulness meditation to get the students centered and ready for class.
Guided meditation can allow you to regain a sense of control in the face of setbacks. When I first started my meditation practice I found myself getting overwhelmed at the thought of sitting in silence. I sat through a guided meditation with Insight Timer and was able to get past my mental barriers.
Mantra as Meditation
I have personally found it helpful to spend my meditation sessions focusing on a mantra. The mantra can be any one that you choose or one that is given to you. It is helpful to have a mantra that goes with the flow of your breath.
One mantra I like to use is “When I breath in, I breath in peace. When I breath out, I breath out love.” This mantra allows me to focus on the peace and love that surrounds me.
During meditation, you can repeat your mantra in your mind or out loud. If you find your mind drifting or you’re worrying about something, just bring yourself back to your mantra. Remember it is perfectly normal for our minds to wander. It will get easier after a few sessions to stay on track.
Mindfulness as Meditation
Another form of meditation is mindfulness. It’s focused on staying in the moment without fear or judgement.
As part of your mindfulness, you can sit or lie comfortably and listen to your thoughts. The key is not to react to what you’re thinking. For example, you think about cookies in the kitchen but then remember you’re supposed to be on a diet. You instantly feel guilt and shame. The more you practice mindfulness, the more you’ll become aware of how your thoughts are shaping your life.
There are many styles of meditation. If you try a meditation style and don’t like it, just try another one. You may have to try a few different ones until you find the style that works best for you.
Thank you for this to-the-point overview of meditation. I keep feeling the need to get started with meditation but am unsure how to get started. Your quick descriptions are very helpful. I feel very drawn to the mantra of breathing in peace and breathing out love.
xx Luci
Meditation is definitely a practice because I am constantly needing to redirect my thoughts to task at hand……. meditating.
It has always been hard for me to meditate, but it is something that I’d love to accomplish someday. I have heard it that it’s beneficial in so many ways!
Thats a very helpful post. You have explained about Meditation very well in the post.
This is super informative! Meditation is something I have been trying to do more of lately. THis was helpful! thank you.
I used to be so bad at meditation until I tried guides meditation. It’s been great and I hope to try mindfulness meditation too. It really helps anyone to start appreciated the beauty of Life.
Have always wanted to give meditation a go… but we are just always so busy y’know! All the more reason to I guess!
In the world full of stress and pressure, we need to add doses of meditation to keep yourself balance and at peace. I love meditation.
I don’t really know how to meditate. But I pray. I think prayer is a form of meditation because you rid yourself of distractions and you put your focus on talking with the Lord.
Mindfulness meditation is something I’ve recently become interested in. I want to train my mind to be better able to relax and let go of anxiousness. I found an app called “Waking Up” by philosopher Sam Harris. He provides guided meditations and also audio lessons explaining how meditation works.
Thanks,
Wayne Walls