How to choose the right meditation style for you

By Carmarlena Murdaca

How to choose the right meditation style for you
We're all aware of the many benefits of meditation. Not only does it make you happier, calmer and more productive, it has countless benefits on your sleeping and eating patterns. But, if you've tried meditating countless times and just can't seem to get it, you're not alone.

There are many different types of meditation that work in various ways to restore your inner calm. So before you give up finding that zen place, check out the top five most popular types so you can find the right fit.

Five popular types of meditation:

Mindfulness meditation – Originating from Buddhist teachings, mindfulness is the most popular meditation technique in Western culture. It involves paying attention to your thoughts and not focusing on them, but allowing them to pass.

Mantra meditation – using vibrations to create spiritual energy to heal and promote creativity, Buddhist and Hindu traditions believe mantras are capable of drawing a particular deity towards you. Rather than simply repeating “Om”, a mantra can be any combination of sounds, words or phrases to lift your spirit.

Transcendental meditation – founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Transcendental meditation is the most studied type by scientists. Made popular by celebrity followers such as the Beatles, transcendental meditation is by far the most popular. Using a mantra to help the practitioner focus during meditation, each student will receive a specific mantra based on a number of different factors such as birth year and gender.

Movement meditation – rather than getting your heart rate going, movement meditation utilises walks, yoga or light exercise to clear the mind. Here, movement guides you so your mind is free to explore.

Metta meditation – for this, you’ll bring loving kindness into your heart and then shine it out to everyone. Do so by sitting for five minutes and focusing your attention on loving thoughts and feelings. Use deep inhales to fill yourself with positive thoughts, then let that love flow through you on the exhale. Best known as a nourishing meditation.

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