Meditation is a popular practice that has been around for millennia. Although it comes in various forms, its main purpose is to help people enjoy more inner peace and feel happier. With proper execution, you’ll feel calmer and more aware. It’s an effective way to improve well-being in today’s stress-filled world.

There are different types of meditation, with each using different techniques. It’s also important to note that the results vary from one person to another. So, if you want to try meditation, the first thing you need to do is find one that works best for you.

Today, we’ll discuss the most popular types of meditation. Let’s begin.

Open Monitoring Meditation

The first type of meditation is open monitoring meditation. It involves observing the thoughts that go through your mind or paying attention to the sensations that you feel in your body, without judgment or involvement.

In this approach, you simply notice and not evaluate, making you a mere observer. The body scan or open awareness method, and other mindfulness meditation techniques fall under this category. Open-monitoring meditation works well for you if you want to meditate on your own or without the guidance of a meditation teacher.

Focused Attention Meditation

As the name implies, focused attention meditation involves concentrating on a specific thought or single point of focus. It can be something internal, like your breathing, or external such as looking at a candle flame.

As a beginner, you should focus your attention on a single thing for a few minutes. You’ll eventually get used to this approach, and you’ll find it easier to concentrate on something specific for longer periods. When the mind wanders off, you refocus your attention on the task. Examples include some mindfulness methods, as well as Zen meditation and Loving-Kindness meditation.

Hybrid Techniques

Hybrid techniques are combinations of the first two methods, open monitoring and focused attention meditation. For example, you may focus on a sensation, such as your breath, while you also observe your thoughts and feelings. Vipassana (or Insight) is an example of a technique that uses both open monitoring and focus.

Movement Meditation

Yoga is the best and most popular example of movement meditation. But it can also be practiced while you are walking in the woods, doing qigong, gardening, or just about any other activity, as long as you’re in motion.

The primary objective of movement meditation is to help you reach a meditative state through movement. This method is perfect if you’re looking to practice meditation while moving, instead of sitting still for a specified time.

Automatic self-transcending meditation

Automatic self-transcending meditation involves using a special mantra that quiets your mind, going beyond thoughts to access the inner silence that lies beneath your thoughts. People with busy minds tend to enjoy this style of meditation.

However, you need to learn this technique in person from a teacher. You will receive a personalised mantra that is the right one for you. 

There are many meditation techniques available, and it’s important for you to choose one that aligns with your lifestyle and personal needs. If you're new to meditation, it's essential to find a method that feels both enjoyable and easy enough to practice daily.

© Mira Meditation