What is the Best Way to Meditate?
The best way to meditate is to find a method that you like enough to use regularly. This is part one in a three part series that explores different ways to meditate. Some meditation teachers promote one specific discipline. But, I believe that exploring different meditation methods can help you find tools that work well for you.
Meditation is just a tool.
It is simply a vehicle that takes you from activity to silence. Techniques abound. Explore them. When you find one that resonates with you, practice with that method.
How do you find the best way to meditate for you? Read on!
We are all unique and we all respond to different methods at different times. Any vehicle will take you down the road. We are all on our way to the same destination using different vehicles to get there.
If you want to become more physically fit, you explore ways to exercise your body. Maybe you are a runner, or you like to work out on an elliptical machine, or you prefer to swim or ride a bike.
Any method that appeals to you is a good match for you.
One method of exercise is not more valid than another. They are all vehicles to make you more fit. Similarly, whatever meditation method calls to you is the best one for you to use. Simply explore several methods with an open mind and notice which one helps you achieve a feeling of calm, peace, and serenity.
Meditation is a very important part of my life. I expect to meditate for the rest of my days. Therefore, I find that using a variety of methods keeps my practice vibrant and fresh. In the same way that cross-training with different ways of exercising is beneficial for your body, keeping your practice vital is important for long-time practitioners of meditation.
Meditation allows us to settle into quieter levels of awareness until we experience the pure silence within.
There are thousands of methods to achieve that state of stillness and silence.
Before I was certified as a teacher at the Chopra Center, I studied and practiced many kinds of meditation. These include mindfulness, movement meditation, lovingkindness meditation, body scans and relaxation, Kirtan, breathing techniques and brain catalyst technology.
I have experienced many types of meditation over many years. I now know that, for me, mantra meditation is the most powerful and effective. It’s the mainstay of my practice. In fact, it has been so powerful for me, I felt inspired to become certified to teach it and share it.
Now in my 60s, I feel better than ever. I am more grateful, more vital, more balanced, more energetic, and more peaceful. I see abundance growing in my life along with daily joy and improved relationships.
My regular mantra meditation is a silent practice that I use twice a day. In addition, I also practice and teach many other methods. Let me introduce you to some of my favorites. In future blog posts, I will also share other meditative methods with you.
Positive Affirmations
An affirmation is a positive conscious thought. Using affirmations has been proven to be an effective way to tap into your strengths and notice what is positive in your life. In addition, affirmations lift your mood. And, this positive self-talk helps create a more positive reality in your life.
In creating your affirmations, use positive and affirmative words. Ideally, an affirmation is stated in the present tense as though it is already occurring in your life.
For those who find themselves with negative mental patterns, positive affirmations can be used to overcome these patterns. Instead, someone can choose to replace negative thoughts with more affirmative words.
Practice a healing affirmation meditation with me.
Lovingkindness Meditation (also known as Metta meditation)
This meditation technique cultivates a viewpoint of kindness toward one’s self and others.
Practitioners open their hearts and minds to messages of loving kindness. They send traditional phrases to themselves, to a benefactor, other loved ones and more.
Lovingkindness meditation promotes feelings of compassion and increases positive emotions.
You can try lovingkindness meditation with me.
Mindfulness Meditation
The focus of this type of meditation is on the present moment. There are elements of mindfulness in most kinds of meditation.
There are multitudes of mindful practices. Some of my favorites include mindful breathing.
Mindfulness is the practice of awareness of the present moment, which allows us to stop thinking about the past and future.
When you notice your breath, it brings your attention inward. You generally begin by becoming aware of your breath entering, moving around and leaving your body.
The mindfulness practice may continue by counting your inhales and exhales. And, noticing how the breath feels in your nostrils, belly and chest and/or appreciating the physical relationship of the breath with your body.
Try this mindfulness breathing meditation with me.
Progressive Relaxation
Progressive relaxation is a meditation technique that assist you in releasing any tension you may be holding in your body. This leads to a feeling of being calmer and more relaxed.
The technique asks you to notice various muscle groups in the body. Some practices ask you to send energy to those areas. Others ask you to tense and then release the muscle group one at a time.
Progressive muscle relaxation helps relieve anxiety in the moment. In addition, with regular practice, it can also lower your overall tension and stress levels.
Try this progressive relaxation meditation with me.
I believe that meditation makes a profound, positive difference in life and it is one of the most transformative steps you can take to achieve fulfillment. I hope you have found some techniques that resonate with you. Watch for future blogs that explain additional methods you can practice with me.
Helping people find a path to meditation is a passion of mine, and I would be interested to know what calls to you, what you are trying and how it is working for you. Please let me know. If you would like to more fully explore guided meditation I invite you to enroll in my free class; Enrich your Life with Daily Meditation.
Namaste,
Jane
Thank you for reading this post. Please share it with anyone who is interested in learning more about meditation.
