Top proven meditation types in the world

Meditation, of any type, is an invaluable personal care aid for the well-being of our body and mind. However, the sheer variety in the types of meditation may confuse you, so this article will be useful to find your best fit.

Do know that while the methods of meditating may vary from each other, all types of meditation aim to put you in a positive frame of mind and health. Certain types of meditation have a high spiritual tilt which, given their rigor, is not for everyone. You may explore them after you have acquired the necessary proficiency and are ready to commit yourself to a deeper practice.

We will cover here six of the most popular meditations worldwide. Though meditation origin can be traced to Hinduism and Buddhism, the meditations being discussed here are non-religious in nature.

Guided or Independent Meditation

Before proceeding to the different types of meditation, you should know that you may meditate either by yourself or with a guide. Guided meditation is possible either using an app of your chosen meditation school or with a guide in a physical class.

In the case of independent (or unguided) meditation, you meditate alone. You will have no one to assist you during the practice. This is not impossible, though. If you are a beginner or if you are the one to need some push, choose guided meditation.

Mindfulness Meditation

You have probably come across this term more often. The main premise of mindfulness meditation is to become aware of our thoughts; yet not pause, analyze or judge them. In this meditation, you bring the straying mind back to focus on breathing.

Many scientific studies have reported that mindfulness meditation regulates the anterior cingulate cortex. This is the region that handles our cognitive functions – emotional expression, attention allocation, and mood regulation.

Transcendental Meditation

This technique of meditation involves chanting a mantra quietly in your mind. Renowned yogic guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi developed this type of meditation to bring the meditator to a deep state of relaxation by lowering the activities in their mind. Transcendental meditation has proved to enhance energy and boost creativity. Even at the body level, transcendental meditation’s effect on lowering blood pressure.

Unlike certain other types of meditation, TM doesn’t demand much effort like concentration; practitioners are advised to breathe normally and focus on the mantra.

Vipassana

A Buddhist system traced back over 2000 years, the underlying philosophy of Vipassana is to accept our thoughts, emotions, and even physical sensations as they are. You learn to observe the inner self instead of trying to control the experience.

Practicing Vipassana requires an intensive 10-day course at one of their centers worldwide. This type of meditation is generally considered, not for the faint-hearted. The course requires you to maintain absolute silence all through the ten-day course. No reading or writing; even simple pains like an itch should be ignored.

Ardent practitioners have spoken effusively about Vipassana’s ability to transform a person by learning to accept things as they are, reduce regrets, and live the moment.

Breath Meditation

Have you observed what happens to our breath when we are excited? It rises higher. The converse happens when we are relaxed – breath is normal and paced.

This is the principle behind breath meditation. To gain control over the breath and thereby steer the mind in the right direction. Practitioners of this type of meditation routinely bring their attention to the breath’s natural rhythm with each inhale and exhale. Breath as a tool is an anchor to stay grounded during stress or when overcome by negative emotions.

Chakra Meditation

Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means wheel. In the spiritual discipline of yoga, seven chakras are believed the invisible energy centers corresponding to respective nervous systems and organs. The seven chakras run along the spine from the sacrum at the bottom up to the top of the head. They are respectively called Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye & Crown.

Owing to its strong linkage to the body, this clears the blockages in the chakras, which it is believed, are responsible for physical and emotional pains. The physical symptoms can be headaches, sinusitis, hormonal dysfunction, etc. The emotional symptoms range from mood fluctuations to depression.

It is advisable to practice this type of meditation with the help of a guide, particularly if you are new to meditation.

Heartfulness Meditation

This type of meditation stands out on several counts. The most significant of which is its parentage. Heartfulness meditation has been developed by a spiritual institution steeped in the practice of meditation for over a hundred years and teaching its profundity and timeless value to millions of people around the world.

The mind, which all of us try to control with varying degrees of strength, is but only a tool. How we have allowed it to become our master and define our day, and so our life!

The core philosophy of Heartfulness meditation practice lies in recognizing the power of the tender heart over the wayward mind. Through simple, easy-to-practice meditation, Heartfulness teaches this eternal truth – If we keep the heart in the right place, our mind will automatically follow us there. A willing mind would, of course, lead the body to good health.

Heartfulness believes that meditation, an ancient yet timeless skill, should be shared for free. Everything in the app is free. Be it to practice meditation, attend master classes or seek the help of a personal trainer. What you will spend is only your time.

Download Heartfulness App. Begin your meditation. Feel the change.

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