Techniques of Meditation

Of all the techniques of meditation, which is the best? Whichever one works best for you, of course. Each one of us is unique, and we each have our own way of doing things. This is no different when it comes to meditation. Try several methods until you find the one that you can be comfortable and consistent with.

Some of The Techniques of Meditation

Watching Your Breath

The simplest techniques of meditation involve watching your breath. Usually done with eyes closed, you simply relax and pay attention to your breath for ten minutes or more. When distractions arise in your mind, you gently return your attention to your breath, again and again. A simple breath-watching meditation is outlined on the home page.

Using a Mantra

Many techniques of meditation (transcendental meditation, for example) rely on a mantra. Your mantra can be an individual one suited to you, or a more universal one, like the classic Hindu "om mani padme hum." The repetition of the mantra keeps your mind from wandering, and may symbolize the "oneness" of the world.

Object Meditation

Some meditative techniques use an object to focus your attention. A candle flame is common, but any object can potentially be used. You could focus your attention on a flower, for example, and keep returning your attention to that flower as distractions come up.

Walking Meditation

Walking meditation takes advantage of the rhythmic nature of walking. You focus your attention on the walking itself, on each foot as it contacts the ground. When your mind wanders from your feet, legs, or the feeling of walking, you just refocus your attention. For deeper concentration, don't look around, but keep your gaze in front of you.

Empty Mind

Many forms of Zen meditation involve an awareness without object. In other words, you empty your mind of all thoughts (Don't try to think about that too much). The techniques for doing this involve sitting still, often in the full lotus position, and letting the mind go silent of its own accord. This is difficult, particularly since any effort seems to just cause more business in the mind.

Mindfulness Meditation

A practice Buddhists call vipassana or insight meditation, mindfulness is the art of becoming deeply aware of the here and now. You focus your mind on what's happening in and around you at this very moment. Mindfulness techniques help you become aware of the noise in your head - all the thoughts and feelings that are taking your energy from moment to moment. How to induce this powerful and useful state of mind will be covered in the newsletter.

Meditating On An Idea

Some techniques of meditation involve contemplation of an idea or even an imaginary scenario. These include meditations on impermanence, in which you see and focus on the impermanent nature of all things, perhaps starting with your thoughts and feelings as they come and go. The "meditation on the corpse," in Buddhist tradition has you think about a body in the ground, as it slowly rots away and is fed on by worms. These techniques use the imagination to guide you to an understanding that your rationalizing mind might not bring you to.

More Techniques Of Meditation

All of the above techniques, and more, will be discussed in The Meditation Newsletter, with more specific guidance on how to try them. If you subscribe now, there will never be a charge for your subscription. Just enter your first name and e-mail address in the form below. (We never spam or give out your address, and you can unsubscribe at any time with one click.)