Different Types of Meditation Techniques

Just as there are different types of meditation, there are different meditation techniques you can use. Meditating has been defined as directing your attention to something else that will help clear your mind of negative thoughts and bring you to a place of altered consciousness.

You can use just about anything you want as the focus of your attention – a sound, an object, a scene, your breathing. Although it was used traditionally and still is a source of finding spirituality, it can also be a way of healing your mind and body making you more aware of your surroundings and helping you deal with the stresses of daily life in a more effective manner.

Meditation techniques for connecting with your inner self

Inner Light Meditation. In this technique you focus on the inner light within your soul. Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Focus on the light in space behind your closed eyes with a relaxed feeling.

Don’t try to concentrate on the images that you see or try to interpret them. These images are the sights and sounds of your thoughts about events that have taken place in your life. You may feel as if you are slipping into an unconscious state – let this happen. If you find that you are becoming involved in your thoughts, bring yourself back to the meditation.

Mindfulness Meditation. You focus on your breathing with the goal of accepting your thoughts and feelings without delving into any one of them. Keep your spine straight as you sit comfortably with your eyes closed. Focus on your breathing and let your thoughts come and go through your mind. As you feel yourself drifting into concentrating on one thought, gently bring yourself back to the meditation.

Mantra Meditation. This universal meditation involves chanting a word or phrase which is the focus of your attention. You can chant this out loud or focus on repeating it in your head. The hard part for beginners is that they try to focus too hard on the mantra and this is not the object of the meditation.

This will keep your attention from descending into the depths of your consciousness. You can keep the mantra at the same tempo as your breathing, but this is not necessary. Let yourself drift into a dreamlike state and if you feel you are concentrating on your thoughts, gently bring yourself back to the meditation.

Meditation techniques for relaxation

Sit comfortably with your spine straight and your eyes cast downward but not really concentrating on anything. Let your eyelids drop naturally and as you gaze at nothing in particular you will notice that your breathing will become more rhythmically. Your attention may drift, but this is fine. Just bring it back to the relaxed downward gaze. This meditation technique will help you reduce stress. It is a great way of recharging your mind for as little as two minutes at a time.

Meditation techniques for energy healing

Through this type of meditation technique, you can let your life’s energy flow through the body to bring about a positive feeling of good health. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed and breathe naturally. With each inhalation, feel your energy force coming into your solar plexus and channel it to the part of your body that is afflicted. If you do not have any illnesses, let this energy channel through all parts of your body. Continue with this until you feel the energy coursing throughout your body.