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MeditationMeditation brings many benefits to those who practice. Experience stillness, navigate and release stress and stressors, process emotions, build self-awareness and a connection to the present moment.
Meditation has many forms and can be practiced in a variety of methods. The most known and practiced method of meditation is one in which we sit in stillness, give the mind a rest, and feel a sense of peace. Sounds easy enough! There are many tools and considerations that can be considered when practicing meditation. Continue reading for more information! |
Types of Meditation
Focused Meditation
Focused meditation is one in which we cultivate a peaceful mind and environment. Often times, this is practiced through focusing on one thing - for example: the breath (often through specific pranayam practice), a mantra, a flame, an object, or a specific area within the body. Focused meditations allow the mind to rest as it anchors in to one specific thing, releasing attachment from all others.
Focused meditation is one in which we cultivate a peaceful mind and environment. Often times, this is practiced through focusing on one thing - for example: the breath (often through specific pranayam practice), a mantra, a flame, an object, or a specific area within the body. Focused meditations allow the mind to rest as it anchors in to one specific thing, releasing attachment from all others.
Zen Meditation
Zen Meditation is very similar to Focused Meditation in that it is calming, creating a zen-like experience. Though Focused Meditation can focus on a mantra or an object (or the breath), Zen Meditation maintains focus on each breath, each moment, allowing things to be exactly as they are.
Zen Meditation is very similar to Focused Meditation in that it is calming, creating a zen-like experience. Though Focused Meditation can focus on a mantra or an object (or the breath), Zen Meditation maintains focus on each breath, each moment, allowing things to be exactly as they are.
Body Scan Meditation
Body Scan Meditation is a focused meditation in which the attention continuously scans the body. This links the minds eye to the present moment and sensations. The body scan would be inclusive of every inch of the body, every sensation, acknowledging notes of discomfort, temperature, areas of the skin experiencing touch, tension, etc. Generally body scans are completed in a rhythmic pass, for example beginning at the top of the head, sweeping down through the entire body to the toes, and back up.
Body Scan Meditation is a focused meditation in which the attention continuously scans the body. This links the minds eye to the present moment and sensations. The body scan would be inclusive of every inch of the body, every sensation, acknowledging notes of discomfort, temperature, areas of the skin experiencing touch, tension, etc. Generally body scans are completed in a rhythmic pass, for example beginning at the top of the head, sweeping down through the entire body to the toes, and back up.
Vipassana Meditation
Vipassana Meditation is also related to the body scanning technique. Vipassana Meditation is experienced in scanning the body as means to uncover + process stored emotions, experiences, evasions of discomfort, and grasping of desires. Vipassana Meditation is supportive of remaining in a neutral state in which we neither evade or grasp. With practice, one may experience a state of equanimity.
Vipassana Meditation is also related to the body scanning technique. Vipassana Meditation is experienced in scanning the body as means to uncover + process stored emotions, experiences, evasions of discomfort, and grasping of desires. Vipassana Meditation is supportive of remaining in a neutral state in which we neither evade or grasp. With practice, one may experience a state of equanimity.
Chakra Meditation
Chakra Meditation instills focus on supporting alignment and attuning of the chakras. The energy centers within the body (the chakras) essentially get a tune-up in this style of meditation. Blockages are removed from chakras and we guide energy back to homeostasis, a zone in which we are operating most optimally.
Chakra Meditation instills focus on supporting alignment and attuning of the chakras. The energy centers within the body (the chakras) essentially get a tune-up in this style of meditation. Blockages are removed from chakras and we guide energy back to homeostasis, a zone in which we are operating most optimally.
Visualization Meditation
Visualization Meditation supports the practitioner in experiencing a recollection or brand new image. The visualization essentially then becomes the focused image. We could recall a previous experience, create a new visual, or envision a goal or dream for example.
Visualization Meditation supports the practitioner in experiencing a recollection or brand new image. The visualization essentially then becomes the focused image. We could recall a previous experience, create a new visual, or envision a goal or dream for example.
Moving Meditation
In its name, Moving Meditation notes this is a method in which instead of remaining in a still seat we meditate while moving. Moving Meditations can be experienced through the practice of Qi Gong, walking, yoga asana, flowing mudra, even through jogging depending on the person. Movement is mindful in nature and intentional in pace, breath, repetition, connection, etc.
In its name, Moving Meditation notes this is a method in which instead of remaining in a still seat we meditate while moving. Moving Meditations can be experienced through the practice of Qi Gong, walking, yoga asana, flowing mudra, even through jogging depending on the person. Movement is mindful in nature and intentional in pace, breath, repetition, connection, etc.
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