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Meditation Types

There are numerous meditation types and techniques practised by people worldwide, although the basic principle of each and every method is of consideration and quiet rumination leading to a meditative state. Various meditation types practiced worldwide include transcendental meditation, vipassana meditation, zen meditation, Taoist meditation, mindfulness meditation, and Buddhist meditation. These are to name but a few. Whilst few of these may require the body remaining absolutely still or to be moved with controlled deliberation, other types will permit free movement of the body. Regardless of the many different meditation types the sole purpose is of course to train our hectic mind to become quiet, enabling our psyche to become a more stress free person drawing on quiet contemplation and reflection.

If you are unfamiliar with meditation and its various types you are probably still wondering, “What is meditation?” To put it very meditation is an approach that everybody can use to help them cope with health problems, deal with stress, trauma and constant worry by way of thought, consideration, and reflection. Also the discovery of oneself and where we really belong in the universe, the purpose of our being is a major reason why many people decide to meditate. In our busy and increasingly fast pace of life it essential for the body and mind to realise that we can actually take complete control of our lives if we just apply the principles of this scientifically proven concept.

Transcendental meditation was founded by a guru named Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and is a very simple and popular meditation type.  Although simple to learn it will bring to your life incredible practical benefits. The technique used in this type of meditation offers a particularly unique quality of deep rest to the body and psyche, releasing stress and tiredness in a very natural approach. It involves the conscious repetition of a certain sound that is pleasing to the mind in order to achieve a state of rumination. Mantra figuratively speaking means ‘revealed sound’ or an amalgamation of sounds that develops spontaneously. All meditation types vary in the time required to meditate though 15-20 mins twice daily sitting comfortably with the eyes closed is all that is required to practice transcendental meditation. This may even be done on the bus, train, and lunch hour, in effect anywhere that is safe and comfortable to sit with eyes closed for that allocated time.

Vipassana meditation was founded and taught to others by Buddha thousands of years ago. Vipassana meaning ‘to see things clearly’ was taught as a means of healing illnesses of the body and mind, through purging both of impurities and toxins. Nowadays however, this meditation type is one practiced not only by individuals with a Buddhist background but by many people of various backgrounds. In order to benefit from the highest level of purification and rumination, it is highly recommended that professional help is sought

Another meditation type universally acknowledged is what is called Zen meditation. Zen practices sitting in preparation for the body and mind to fully relax in addition to opening oneself up through deliberation into discovering an insight to the true nature of your being. By sitting in the various positions prescribed, thus closing your mind to thought and images; you will notice subsequent to a period of focused concentration, your heart rate slowing down. Breathing will become shallow, resulting in a deep though fully aware state of meditation.  Deliberate thought and contemplation on the present moment will be all that you are aware of. Rumination on the past and the future and all the things you should have done or that still need to be done will become void resulting in escape from the constant chatter of the subconscious psyche.

Taoist is a meditation type having rather a lot in common with the Hindu as well as Buddhist techniques. Although the method used in taoist meditation is notably less abstract, it is much more practical than those focusing primarily on contemplation, originating from India and China. The fundamental characteristic of this meditation type is the generation, transformation, and circulation of inner energy. When this steady flow of energy is achieved (“deh-chee”), it may then be of used in promoting good health and longevity and suchlike. Taoist meditation uses what is known as Breath and Navel meditation to teach beginners. This is the oldest technique on record and works directly with the natural flow of breath in the nostrils in together with the expansion and contraction of the abdomen. This type of meditation is a wonderful way to enhance focused attention and one-pointed awareness.

>Mindfulness meditation is a meditation type of extreme simplicity. Its major purpose is to teach us how to become mindful and consciously aware of everything we do in life, giving deliberate thought and consideration to all that we encounter. This will enhance our awareness of the various situations we find ourselves in, ensuing a much more relaxed body and nervous system. This particular meditation technique will train the mind and body to ruminate on the things in life that you cannot change, with a great deal of contemplation and deliberation. If practised correctly and consistently, the benefits can be extremely useful in all aspects of life, from eating to exercising, to just breathing and living. A typical example of practicing mindfulness meditation for a person suffering with a digestive problem would be whilst eating, give deliberate thought to all aspects of the meal, why you need it and the benefit it has for your body.

Buddhist meditation is a type said to bring your mind, body and soul to a natural balance. Buddha practiced this state of mindlessness through contemplation and rumination throughout his life. The inspiration for this originated from the idea of diminishing the mind’s need for selfishness and the longing for material things to become a happy person. During meditation, you have complete awareness and control of your physical body and indeed your state of mind and how it can change so rapidly in just a minute. The Buddhist meditation type in order to benefit fully is an extremely disciplined practice and ought to be done on a regular basis. If practised consistently obvious changes will soon become noticeable, such as the mind slowly becoming free from fear. Your ability to focus and level of concentration will become heightened. What follows is a better state of mind, a healthier body and soul. Like many meditation types this method too has been shown to have many health benefits.

Amid all the various types of meditation, there will always be some degree of confusion as there is with anything, questions such as; ‘Is it safe?’, ‘How to decide which technique to practice’, ‘How much does it cost?’ Above is merely a brief overview of what several meditation techniques if practised can offer. Nevertheless, once a decision is reached and you begin to practice the desired type of meditation suitable for you, it will become an essential part of your new daily life.  You will probably question yourself later how you ever survived without it!

By Kiks

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