Publisher's Synopsis
What meditation is all about
Meditation is a technique used for thousands of years to develop awareness of the present moment.
It can involve practices to sharpen focus and attention, connect to the body and breath, develop acceptance of difficult emotions, and even alter consciousness. It's been shown to offer a number of physical and psychological benefits like stress reductionTrusted Source and improved immunity.
1. Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation originates from Buddhist teachings and is the most popular and researched form of meditation in the West.
In mindfulness meditation, you pay attention to your thoughts as they pass through your mind. You don't judge the thoughts or become involved with them. You simply observe and take note of any patterns.
2. Spiritual meditation
Spiritual meditation is used in nearly all religions and spiritual traditions.
The types of spiritual meditation are as diverse as the world's spiritual traditions themselves. Many of the meditation techniques listed in this article could be considered spiritual meditation.
3. Focused meditation
Focused meditation involves concentration using any of the five senses.
For example, you can focus on something internal, like your breath, or you can bring in external influences to help focus your attention.
Examples include:
- counting mala beads
- listening to a gong
Although most people think of yoga when they hear movement meditation, this practice may include:
- walking
- gardening
