5 Ways to Meditate

One of the most important things I notice as a yogi, is that everyone's practice is different & that to me is one of the most beautiful aspects of yoga. Your journey won't be the same as anyone else's because it is yours. Well the same is true for meditation. There are a TON of different ways to meditate and I find that the idea of sitting and making your mind blank scares a LOT of people off from something that can affect their lives so positively. So, here are a few different mediation options to help you find the right choice for you!

Gazing Meditation

This style of meditation allows the person to focus inward by concentrating on a specific object, usually while sitting. Personally, I enjoy gazing at the flicker of a candle (if meditating inside) and when I get the privilege of meditating outside I prefer to gaze at something natural, like a tree or a rock etc. Meditation can be intense so don't worry if you can only do it for 10-15 seconds to start. The important thing is building up a practice!

Mindfulness Meditation

Unlike gazing meditation, this type of meditation doesn't have you focus your attention on any specific spot. In this meditation you allow your attention to flow freely without judging your thoughts or feeling attachment towards them. It's like practicing being an unbiased observer, becoming aware of your perceptions, thoughts, memories and so much more.

Guided Meditations

For some people starting to meditate on their own can be daunting. That's where guided meditations come in. They will walk you through a meditation, there are MANY kinds that are focused on different topics as well so you can find the best option for you! These meditations can help you find that peaceful state one step at a time. You can find some amazing options at The Chopra Center.

Mantra Meditation

Click this photo to buy this GORGEOUS print.

Mantra meditation has its roots in the Hindu tradition. This form of meditation is centered around repeating a sound, syllable or work. This causes the mind to focus, as it becomes difficult to focus on anything but the repeated sound.  Some popular options are Om, or Shanti, but my absolute favorite thing to repeat is the saying on the above print "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu" which translated loosely means, "May all beings be happy and free (and may my actions contribute to the happiness and freedom of all beings)." I learned to chant this at my yoga teacher training and it is to this day my favorite.

Written Meditation

So I haven't seen a lot written about this (haha #punny) but it's one of my FAVORITE forms of meditation. My teacher for my YTT taught me about it. You set yourself a timer (I wouldn't start with more than 5 minutes but you can work your way up!) and you just write. You don't have to read it, or think about it you just have to write non-stop. Whenever my anxiety is too much to handle this is my go to. It helps me get everything out of my head. I honestly don't think I've ever read what I wrote, I don't want to judge or attach myself to it but I love the process of just letting it out of my head and into the world.

I hope you learned something new today! I may do another blog post adding on to this one that talks about even more ways to meditate as I continue to learn and explore.