Meditation has several known benefits for dealing with stress, anxiety, and finding your awareness. In a busy, to-do list filled world, meditation offers a way to relax while doing something good for yourself. The trick is to find the right meditation practices that work for your busy mind, and let’s face it, your schedule, too.
But, there are so many different types of meditation, you say. And, you’re right. That’s why we’re narrowing down the list so you can find one and get started with your own practice right away.
Keep reading to learn more.
8 Meditation Practices for Inner Peace
Meditation is NOT supposed to stress you out. That’s why it’s important to learn a few different meditation types when you first begin practicing. It will not only help you find what you like but also offer different ways for you to calm your mind.
Meditation can be done almost anywhere. If you have a few quiet moments, all you have to do is still your mind.
Easier said than done of course.
So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at eight different meditation styles for you to try.
1. Mindfulness
Mindfulness meditation has quickly become one of the most popular meditation practices in the West with a focus on mind and body at the same time.
To begin a mindfulness practice, simply sit in a comfortable position with your eyes closed. The point is to focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale slowly through your nose.
The more difficult part is letting go of your thoughts as they come to your mind. When these thoughts appear, it’s important to allow them to slip away without judgment or care. This may include thoughts about physical sensations and feelings you are having in the moment.
Let them go.
Practice this anywhere, during any activity, simply remaining in the moment with each new breath.
2. Loving-Kindness
This type of meditation derives of Theravada Buddhism and may also be known as ‘Metta’ meditation.
Begin a loving-kindness meditation in a comfortable sitting position with your eyes closed. This time, when thoughts come, allow them in but give them direction with loving-kindness. You’ll notice that you may also use this in everyday situations when you become more comfortable with it.
3. Nada Yoga
If you enjoy sound or find it difficult to meditate in silence, you’ll like Nada Yoga. In this practice, you can sit comfortably with your eyes closed and concentrate on external sounds. Listen for birds chirping and cars driving by.
The focus of this meditation is to learn how to listen to your own mind and body. Lifelong Nada Yoga practitioners report that they have eventually learned to ‘hear the sound of the universe’, OM.
4. Body Scan
Body scan meditation is just like it sounds. You will literally be ‘scanning’ your body, with your mind, of course.
You can practice this standing up, sitting, or laying flat on your back. Close your eyes. The point of this practice is to release tension as you notice it in your body, with your breath.
When you notice pain or other sensations, simply breath in and release the sensation with your breath. Don’t stop until you’re satisfied that the tension is gone.
5. Chakra Meditation
Chakra meditation is a bit advanced and requires that you learn the basics of the Chakra which is a chart that depicts the seven main chakras in your body. This system originated in India and derives of Hinduism and Tantric Buddhism.
Once you’ve learned the Chakras and what they mean, you can sit comfortably cross-legged on a pillow while controlling your breath. The point is to focus on your chakras, one or all depending on your needs.
6. Mantra
The point of mantra meditation is to have no meaning at all. You may consider using prayer beads to help sustain your focus during this type of practice.
Find your proper meditation position. The hardest part may be choosing a mantra; many people like ‘Om Namah Shivaya‘ as a traditional practice but you can choose anything you like. The point of this meditation is to simply focus on your mantra for a set period of time, make it at least five minutes per session.
7. Guided
The best type of meditation may be best suited for someone that struggles to dedicate themselves to a practice. If you need an instructor, find a class. If that is too overwhelming, many smartphones have downloadable apps with guided meditative prompts.
Youtube is another great source of inspiration. And, of course, you can find books by the millions that will walk you through, step by step, whatever meditative practice you desire.
8. Self Inquiry
Self-inquiry may sound easy enough if you’re a reflective person.
Find a comfortable meditative position and wait for your thoughts to arrive. When they do, you can ask them questions like ‘who is thinking that thought?’ When you arrive at your answer, which is inevitably ‘me’, or ‘self’ you will begin to recognize the importance of seeing yourself as a subject.
The purpose of self-inquiry is to achieve pure awareness and existence in space and time.
Final Thoughts
There are several different types of meditation practices and finding the best one for your journey toward inner peace will take time. Don’t get frustrated if at first, it doesn’t seem like it’s working. It is.
Don’t be surprised if you reach depths of your mind that you never knew existed before. This is an important part of meditation. Think of it as a hardcore workout for your brain.
If you’re really determined to find more than inner peace and you’re looking for the ultimate journey into your subconscious, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our past regression specialists use a quantum healing hypnosis technique to introduce you to your past, present, and future self.
