MEDITATION: 3 TYPES

MEDITATION: 3 TYPES

Meditation doesn’t look the same for everyone. There are various types of meditation so we’ll briefly highlight a few. Some of the most common types are concentration meditation, mindfulness meditation, and ones that require motion like walking meditation. 

CONCENTRATION MEDITATION

Concentration meditation involves focusing on a single point. This point can be an object, oftentimes a candle flame is used. Another point could be focusing on the different aspects of your breath, repetition of a single word or mantra (which is a sacred word, sound, or group of words that hold great meaning). 

In this form of meditation, you focus on your object of attention. Inevitably, you won’t stay focused so each time your mind wonders, you simply refocus your awareness on the chosen object of attention Rather than pursuing random thoughts. When random or additional thoughts come, you simply let them go. Through this process, over time and practice, your ability to concentrate will improve.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

In Mindfulness meditation, the idea is that you’ll be encouraged to observe wandering thoughts as they drift through the mind. The intention is not to get involved with the thoughts or to judge them, but simply to be aware of each mental note as it arises.

Through the practice of mindfulness meditation, you can see how your thoughts and feelings tend to move in a particular pattern. Noticing this pattern of feelings and emotions over time can make you more aware of other tendencies like the tendency to judge experiences as opposed to simply understanding what the experience was and that it happened. 

Oftentimes, people tend to judge their experiences as good or bad or pleasant or unpleasant or even to assign worth to an experience when in actuality, all experiences are worthy because of the lessons within them. Regardless of whether the outcome was something that moved you to smile or cry, you learned the lesson and that’s the takeaway. Over time and with practice, mindfulness meditation helps to develop inner balance and thus makes us more aware of the lessons and more receptive to them.

It’s not uncommon to combine both concentration and mindfulness meditation. Meditation is a personal experience so you can find what works best for you by trying different things and even combining different practices. 

WALKING MEDITATION

This type of meditation requires movement.  Walking meditation tends to be better for those who find it challenging to sit. It’s more simple than a walk in the park and done much slower. It often incorporates the coordination of breathing or other focused activities. 

Some may find this type of meditation easier because the eyes may be open and you are standing and moving,  allowing you to be more aware of the sensation you feel in your body from the crown of your head to the heels of your feet. It’s being aware of the earth beneath your feet and the restrictions you may feel in your body as you move. 

So, that’s it! This is a great place to start and don’t be afraid to try something new. Meditation is one of the best kept secrets to stress management, peace, and harmony in your living. 

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Love & Blessings!

Dr. Nicole

Written by Dr. Nicole McCarty

Dr. Nicole McCarty is an Integrative Health Doctor, Wellness Coach, Author, Speaker, & Corporate Wellness Trainer. She is also a Meditation & Mindfulness Instructor seeking to engage more people in the benefits of living Free, Healthy, & WHOLE. 

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