Are you looking for different types of meditation to explore?
The truth is:
Meditation isn’t a one size fits all .
What works for one person might not work for you and that’s okay.
In its most simplistic terms meditation is a space to spend time and reconnect with yourself.
It is a chance to cultivate inner peace on your terms, whatever that feels like to you.
The most important thing is not to beat yourself up and throw in the towel on day 1 because you aren’t suddenly a master yogi.
Here’s a little backstory. I remember the first time I tried to mediate and it was a struggle. And the crazy thing is it wasn’t being able to let go of my thoughts that was the biggest hurdle. I soon came to realize ( after many trial and errors!) that the type of meditation I was doing simply wasn’t right for me.
In fact, there are many ways to mediate and this guide will give you simple meditation hacks to show you exactly how.
1. Affirmation + Music Meditation
This is by far my favorite type! These are great for people who tend to lose focus easily because it gives you words or instrumentals to focus on. Additionally, listening to music or affirmations helps to stir up internalized emotions in us, bringing them up to the surface. Research shows an enormous amount of benefits of music meditation such as :
- Reduces Stress
- Elevates Mood
- Stimulates Memories
- Deeper Meditation
So next time you meditate, try plugging in your headphones and getting lost in the sound. You might be surprised by what you discover.
2. Guided Visualization
This is by far one of the most efficient meditation hacks because it is a manifestation and meditation technique all in one. This is because you focus on something specific. For example, a goal you want to achieve. Then you hold it in your mind, imagining your outcome becoming reality.
Also, it’s easy to conjure up emotions of inner peace and clarity with guided visualizations because a trained professional guides you in picturing a destination or certain situation. This can be an extremely therapeutic practice if you need to find closure on certain situations in your life.
Here’s a quick 10 Minute Guided Imagery Meditation to get you started.
3.Doing what you love!
“Meditation can be an infinitely creative process of playing with perception in ways that reveal the emptiness (mind-dependent nature) of all things.”
Will Franks, Medium member, Editor of Phoenix Collective, Positive Deeper Adaptation, DARC ARTS, Flatpack Democracy 2021
It is a common misconception that meditation has to be still. You can find self-awareness in your own unique medium outlet. Whether that be through dance, theatre, sport, running, walking in nature, whatever it may be that heals the anxious thoughts and shakes you out of living on autopilot.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
You are capable of so much more than you think you are. What makes this human experience so exciting is that each of us bring something new and different to the table. It’s easy to give something new a try that turns out to be a total bust, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you are incapable of mastering it.
You just need a different approach.
And what might work out great one day won’t be able to keep your attention the next. But guess what? That’s what makes you human. Experiment with these different meditation methods on days with different emotions and see what works best for you in that moment.
THE TAKEAWAY:
There are several types of meditation to choose from that will fit your unique needs. It’s all about finding your perfect match! These include:
- Affirmation / Music meditation : ( lose yourself in the music / positive affirmations )
- Visualization ( practitioner guides you in picturing a destination or certain situation. )
- Doing what you love ( finding mindfulness in your passion)
So, which one of these meditation hacks works best for you and why?
Related: 5 Creative Habits to Destress When Life Feels Chaotic