What comes to mind when you think of the word meditation? Does it conjure an image of a yogi sitting upright with closed eyes, deeply immersed in concentration? Many people associate meditation with something tedious and requiring considerable effort. This perception often discourages them from practising meditation, despite knowing its numerous benefits. However, if any of the multiple benefits of meditation appeal to you—from reduced stress and anxiety to better sleep and peace of mind—then it might be a good idea to find a meditation practice that suits you. In this article, we will explore eight types of meditation and help you understand which one might be best for you.
Types of Meditation and Their Benefits
You may have various questions about the different types of meditation. What is the best meditation for beginners? Which type of meditation should you follow? What is the best time to meditate?
The primary intent of meditation is to bring one’s awareness to the present moment and develop a healthy mind-body connection. There are many different ways to achieve this objective. Here are eight types of meditation and their benefits.
1. Guided Meditation
If you’re new to meditation, you may feel overwhelmed by the different types of meditation. Guided meditation is particularly effective for beginners, as it involves step-by-step guidance to help you enter a meditative state. In a guided meditation, the instructor takes you through each step, and all you have to do is follow the instructions. You can participate in guided meditation in person with a mentor or teacher, or use the numerous free videos available online to practice on your own.
Benefits of Guided Meditation
- Easy to follow with detailed instructions provided
- Plenty of online resources and videos available
2. Silent Meditation
Silent meditation is best for those who know the process and prefer meditating without external prompts. This type of meditation allows you to focus inward, offering the freedom to introspect and reflect. Some people concentrate on different bodily sensations, while others observe their thoughts. Silent meditation helps relax the mind and quiet the constant internal chatter.
Benefits of Silent Meditation
- Allows deeper self-awareness and mindfulness
- Improves focus and concentration
3. Visualisation
As the name suggests, visualisation meditation involves visualising an object, entity, or situation. The purpose is to have a definite image to focus on. You might picture your favorite place, a symbol that brings you peace, or the image of a deity you worship. One advantage of this meditation is its use in manifesting desires by picturing goal fulfillment and focusing on that image.
Benefits of Visualisation
- Effective for those who prefer visual stimuli
- A simple way to meditate for those easily distracted
4. Five Senses Meditation
The focus of five senses meditation, also called sensory meditation, is on the five primary senses—sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. In this practice, you direct your attention to each sense one by one, mentally noting the sensations that arise. This meditation effectively grounds and anchors you in the present moment.
Benefits of Five Senses Meditation
- Helps manage anxiety and cope with panic attacks
- Fosters a deeper connection with oneself and surroundings
5. Vipassana
This ancient practice believed to have been discovered more than 2,500 years ago by Gautama Buddha, developed as a form of meditation in Myanmar in the 20th century and gained global popularity. ‘Vipassana’ means ‘seeing things as they are.’ The main goal is to foster a deep mind-body connection by focusing on your breath and bodily sensations, helping you stay in the present moment. If you become distracted by thoughts, simply return your focus to your breath.
Benefits of Vipassana
- Increases awareness and sensitivity
- Improves self-control
6. Chakra Meditation
‘Chakra’ is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘wheel.’ In the human body, chakras are energy centers located at specific points. There are seven chakras: Crown, Third Eye, Throat, Heart, Solar Plexus, Sacral, and Root Chakra. Each has a specific function. Chakra meditation helps activate these energy centers and clear any blocks.
Benefits of Chakra Meditation
- Balances your chakras and restores harmony
- Clears blockages, promoting good health and well-being
7. Mindfulness Meditation
This form of meditation is extremely popular due to its simplicity. Mindfulness involves being present with your awareness at any given moment. You can practice in a quiet place with closed eyes or on the go, making it convenient to incorporate into daily life. Simply observe your emotions and thoughts without engaging or judging them.
Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation
- Can be done anytime, anywhere
- Helps you stay anchored in the present
8. Mantra Meditation
The word ‘mantra’ comes from two Sanskrit words—‘man’ meaning ‘mind’ and ‘tra’ meaning ‘release.’ A mantra refers to a chant or phrase repeated to release the mind’s clutter. Choose a mantra that resonates with you and repeat it until you reach a state of calm and relaxation. Incorporate affirmations by repeating your favorite ones.
Benefits of Mantra Meditation
- Improves concentration and focus
- Reduces anxiety and enhances mood
Meditation is not a one-size-fits-all process. In addition to the types mentioned above, there are many others such as Theta meditation, Metta meditation (Loving-Kindness meditation), and movement meditation. Depending on your intention and resonance, choose one or more of these practices. Experiment with different times of the day to find your personal best time to meditate and achieve inner peace.
At SoulSensei, our experts specialize in various forms of meditation and can help you discover which types will work best for you. Explore our videos, and for further guidance, reach out to us.
Feel free to contact us for personalized guidance and support on your meditation journey.
Sources
- Aura Health Team. “Sensory Meditation: Techniques for Heightened Awareness.” Aura, Aura Health.
- Bertone, Holly J. “Which Type of Meditation Is Right for Me?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 5 Nov. 2021.
- Gupta, Sanjana. “How to Raise Your Self-Awareness Through Vipassana Meditation.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 20 Feb. 2024.
- Raypole, Crystal. “Have Trouble Meditating? Try Mantra Meditation.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 18 Aug. 2020.
- Selemin, Julian. “What Is Vipassana Meditation?” WebMD, WebMD LLC, 24 Aug. 2022.
- “Vipassana.” Vipassana Meditation, Dhamma.org.
- Welch, Ashley. “7 Types of Meditation.” EverydayHealth.Com, EverydayHealth, Inc., 6 Aug. 2022.
- Your Headspace Mindfulness & Meditation Experts. “Types of Meditation.” Headspace, Headspace Inc.
