Online Yoga School

Meditation is a diverse practice with many different styles, each with its own techniques and goals. There is a common myth that not everyone can meditate, but it is simply not true. Everyone can meditate and experience the benefits.  In order to find the style of meditation that resonates with you, practice the different styles. Only through this practice will you find what works best for you. 

Some of the more common meditation styles include:

• Mindfulness Meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgement. It involves observing thoughts, sensations, and emotions while letting them pass. 
• Metta or Loving Kindness Meditation involves cultivating feelings of love, compassion and goodwill towards oneself and others. It often involves repeating specific phrase or affirmations.
• Body Scan Meditation involves mentally scanning your body from head to toe, bringing awareness to any sensations or areas of tension. Through this awareness, relaxation and the release of physical tension can happen.
• Guided Visualization allows a guide to lead you through a mental journey. This style often involves imagining a peaceful and calming place or situation.
• Chakra Meditation focuses on balancing and aligning the body’s energy centers or chakras. This is usually done through visualization, breath work or specific postures.
• Movement-Based Meditation includes practices like Tai Chi, Qigong and Yoga Asana. These practices combine movement with breath awareness and mindfulness.
• Trataka or Candle Gazing is a concentration practice where you focus your gaze on a single point, often a candle flame. This style is used to improve focus and concentration.
• Silent Meditation are often extended periods (days or weeks) of intense meditation practice in a quiet and/or isolated setting.
• Mantra Meditation involves repeating a particular word or phrase either out loud or silently. The repetition helps focus the mind and induce a meditative state. This meditation is often done with sacred mantra. 
• Sound meditation includes sound as a focal point. It involves listening to specific sounds like singing bowls, gongs, or nature sounds to come into a meditative state.
• Anapanasati or Breath Awareness is a fundamental practice in many traditions. It involves paying attention to the natural rhythm of the breath.
• Noting Meditation involves silently noting thoughts, emotions, sensations or any mental or physical situations as they happen.

Remember this is not an all-inclusive list of the styles of meditations, merely a selection of the many styles. The best style of meditation for you will depend on your preferences, goals and individual circumstances. Often it is helpful to practice different styles and see which resonates with you. Some people combine elements from the different styles to build a practice that suits them best. 

Another thing to consider is whether to practice on your own or with a guide. Many styles are best practiced with an experienced guide to talk you through the practice and what to expect. If you are interested in becoming a Certified Meditation Teacher or obtaining an Introduction to Mindfulness certificate both of those are offered through Online Yoga School.