Different Types of Meditation Techniques

There are many, many different ways to meditate. Here are some basic categories of meditation techniques so you can understand some of the main options and how they differ from one another.

1. Basic Meditation Technique

This involves sitting in a comfortable position and just trying to quiet your mind by thinking of nothing. It's not always easy to do this if you don't have practice with it. But a good way to begin is to think of yourself as an 'observer of your thoughts', just noticing what the narrative voice in your head says, but not engaging it. As thoughts materialize in your mind, just let them go. That's the basic idea.

2. Visualization Meditation Technique

Visualization, or guided imagery, is a variation on traditional meditation that requires you to employ not only your visual sense, but also your sense of taste, touch, smell, and sound. When used as a relaxation technique, visualization involves imagining a scene in which you feel at peace, free to let go of all tension and anxiety. Choose whatever setting is most calming to you, whether it's a tropical beach, a favorite childhood spot, or a quiet wooded glen. You can do this visualization exercise on your own in silence, while listening to soothing music.

3. Spiritual Meditation Technique

Meditation can also be a spiritual practice (It does not have to be, and certainly isn't specific to any one religion, but can be used as a spiritual experience). Many people experience meditation as a form of prayer, the form where God 'speaks', rather than just listening. That's right, many people experience 'guidance' or inner wisdom once the mind is quiet, and meditate for this purpose. You can meditate on a singular question until an answer comes, or meditate to clear their mind and accept whatever comes that day.

4. Activity-Oriented Meditation Technique

With this type of meditation, you engage in a repetitive activity, or one where you can get 'in the zone' and experience 'flow'. Again, this quiets the mind, and allows your brain to shift. Activities like gardening, creating artwork, or practicing yoga can all be effective forms of meditation.