Meditation has gone from merely a spiritual exercise to a mental and physical exercise. Primarily Eastern meditation and it deep ties to relaxing the body for its own spiritual purposes has been transferred to the West as a holistic approach to better health. Meditation has been shown in studies to help one physically and mentally. Better focus, better control of emotion and healthier hearts are all an end result. It is important to discover what type of meditation is best for oneself. With so many types of meditation available for better mental and physical health, it can be difficult to choose and learn these techniques. Meditation Instructors can also help individuals better learn to properly implement meditation into their daily lives.
The article, “10 different types of meditation—and which one is right for you” by Karen Johnson looks at the benefits of meditation and the different types one can use. She lists in particular ten different types of meditation and how they can be utilized for physical, mental and emotional health. From mindfulness to various poses, Johnson discusses a variety of meditation poses and techniques that one can utilize. She states,
“Meditation may have started as early as 5000 B.C., but no matter how long, the practice has become more popular as people look for non-pharmaceutical ways to boost their mental health. Different variations on the practice have been developed throughout the world, including India, China, and Japan. Some are associated with spiritual practices including Hinduism, Taoism, and Buddhism, while others are secular.”
“10 different types of meditation—and which one is right for you”. Karen Johnson. November 5th, 2022. Stacker.com.
To review the entire article, please click here
Commentary
The benefits of meditation on health are numerous and well-documented. Meditation has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve circulation, reduce stress levels, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to be beneficial for overall health. A review of 47 trials found that mindfulness meditation can help reduce psychological stress. In addition, another review of 14 trials found that mindfulness meditation can help reduce pain. Finally, a systematic review of the literature found that mindfulness meditation is associated with improvements in mental health, physical health, and quality of life.
In addition to physical health, Mindfulness meditation is an effective intervention for improving mental health. Numerous studies have found that mindfulness meditation can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Meditation works by helping the individual to focus on the present moment and become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. This increased awareness can help to reduce negative thinking and rumination, which are often linked to mental health problems.
Types of Meditation
There are many types of meditation, but they can broadly be classified into two categories: focused attention and open monitoring. Focused attention meditation involves focusing on a single object, thought, or activity, such as the breath, a mantra, or a certain visual object. The goal is to maintain that focus while letting other thoughts and distractions come and go without getting caught up in them. Open monitoring meditation is about observing all of the thoughts, feelings, and sensations that arise without judgment or attachment.
Guided meditation is a form of mindfulness meditation in which a person is guided by a teacher or another individual through the process of meditation. The individual is typically instructed to focus on their breath and to maintain a state of relaxation and awareness. Guided meditation can be an effective way to learn how to meditate, as it can help to focus the mind and provide guidance and support.
Focused meditation is a form of mindfulness meditation in which you focus your attention on a specific object, thought, or activity. The purpose of focused meditation is to increase your awareness of the present moment and improve your concentration. In order to practice focused meditation, find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Close your eyes and focus your attention on your breath. Once you have focused on your breath, begin to count each inhale and exhale.
Visualization meditation is a type of mindfulness meditation in which you focus on a certain image or scene. You may focus on something peaceful, like a beach or a meadow, or something that represents what you want to manifest in your life. The idea is to hold the image in your mind and focus on the feelings it evokes, such as relaxation or happiness. over time, this practice can help to train your brain to more easily access states of calm and peace.
Meditation pose, mantra and breath
When one is meditating, it is important to maintain a posture that is comfortable and stable. This allows for the individual to focus their attention on their breath and the present moment, rather than on any discomfort they may be feeling. There are many different meditation poses that can be adopted, and it is important to find one that suits the individual. A meditation mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated during meditation. The mantra can be anything that is meaningful to the person meditating. The repetition of the mantra helps to focus the mind and can lead to a deeper state of meditation. Meditation breathing is a technique that is used to help focus the mind and body. The goal of meditation breathing is to bring the practitioner into a state of relaxation and calm. The technique involves focusing on the breath and letting go of all other thoughts. This can be done by sitting in a comfortable position and focusing on the breath as it moves in and out of the body.
Conclusion
Science is showing more and more evidence that Eastern meditation and its many forms aid individuals mentally, emotionally and physically. Through proper form, pose, breath and mantra, one can lower one’s stress levels, improve heart health and find inner peace from various stressors. Meditation Instructors can help instruct individuals into the various practices and types of meditation one can wishes to utilize for a particular benefit.
Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Meditation Instructor.
Additional Resources
“Psychology of Meditation and Health: Present Status and Future Directions”. Dilwar Hussain and Braj Bhushan. International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy 2010, 10, 3, pp. 439-451. Access here
“What meditation can do for your mind, mood, and health”. Harvard Health Publishing. July 16, 2014. Access here
“Which Type of Meditation Is Right for Me?”. Holly J. Bertone, CNHP, PMP and Crystal Hoshaw. November 5th, 2021. Healthline. Access here
“What are the Different Types of Meditation?”. Mindworksteam. Mindworks. Access here