The ancient practice of Meditation is used by many different religious and spiritual groups in the western and eastern world. But what exactly is meditation?
Wiki defines meditation as “a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing their mind on a particular object, thought or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.”
I like to describe it as the flip side of prayer. In prayer, we are talking to Spirit. In meditation, we are listening to Spirit! Meditation is a practice in being present by contemplating, reflecting, surrendering and dwelling.
Ram Dass, American psychologist and spiritual teacher who practices and teaches meditation, describes it this way:
Meditation is basic spiritual practice for quieting the mind and getting in touch with our deeper Self, the spirit. Meditation provides a deeper appreciation of the interrelatedness of all things and the part each person plays…. Meditation is a way of listening more deeply, so you hear how it all is from a more profound place. Meditation enhances your insight, reveals your true nature, and brings you inner peace. A meditation practice is extremely useful in clearing stuff away and letting you see how your mind keeps creating your universe.
Different Types of Meditation
Meditation is practiced in many different ways. Here is a quick list of some of the more popular techniques:
- Concentration or Focused Meditation where you are meditating on a particular thought, object, or visualization. From this type of meditation, we have the following:
- Zen Meditation from the Buddist tradition where you focus on your breathing
- Transcendental or Mantra Meditation from the ancient Vedic tradition of India which repeat a sound or chant
- Yoga Meditation uses body positioning along with clearing your mind
- Tai Chi which is a meditation to slow controlled motion
- Reflective, Contemplation, Self-Enquiry and “I Am” Meditation made popular by Echart Tolle. Contemplative meditation asks questions such as Who am I? What is the true purpose of my life? What is my role in this universe? How can I help remove the sufferings of others?
- Mindful Meditation is taught and practiced in many New Thought Centers. Included in a mindful meditation is Walking meditations, Guided meditations, Contemplative reading or prayer, and even Mindful eating meditations
- Heart-Centered Meditation emphasizes opening and healing the heart while connecting with the Heart Chakras
- Creative Meditation or Visualization brings your wants and desires to your conscious mind and enables you to consciously cultivate and visualize what you wish to manifest in your life.
One of my favorite forms of meditation is the 21-Day meditations offered periodically by Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra. A new series of meditations call the Miraculous Relationship Meditation starts July 15. Sign up for it here: Oprah & Deepak Miraculous Relationship
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