the best type of meditation

Meditation is a great tool for us to use to increase mindfulness and get our minds right. Meditation has been used for this purpose for thousands of years and is still practiced today in cultures all over the world.

There are many different styles of meditation, and not all styles are right for everyone. Some meditation practices require specific skills and mindsets.

But what is the best meditation technique?

Here are a few popular meditation techniques and methods:

• Spiritual Meditation

Spiritual meditation of some sort is used in nearly all religions and spiritual traditions. Spiritual meditation is extremely diverse, and other forms of meditation can be spiritual based on the person’s intention. Spiritual meditation focuses on developing a deeper connection with a higher power, as well as a deeper understanding of spiritual and religious meaning in general. Spiritual meditation can take place at home or at a place of worship, and may also include elements of silent or spoken prayer.

• Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is the most popular form of meditation in the West. Mindfulness meditation calls us to pay attention to our thoughts as they come up, without judgment of or involvement with the thoughts themselves. Mindfulness meditation allows us to observe the thought patterns that form our beliefs. Mindfulness meditation combines concentration with awareness to help us understand how our minds work.

• Movement Meditation

Many forms of meditation encourage you to find stillness. However, movement meditation focuses on the physical feelings of the body in motion. Movement meditation is an active form of meditation that encourages a deeper connection with your body and the present moment. Walking and yoga are two popular forms of movement for this type of meditation.

• Focused Meditation

Focused meditation involves concentration on something internal or external using any of the five senses. Focused meditation is the opposite of multi-tasking, and is great for those who seek to sharpen their focus and attention span. Focused meditation can take place during eating or drinking, exercising, and even daily chores and tasks.

• Visualization Meditation

Visualization meditation involves mentally placing yourself into a specific scene and using all five senses to add as much detail to that scene as possible. The visualization can be a relaxing landscape or “happy place,” the company of a person you love or admire, or even the achievement of a specific goal or milestone. In this way, visualization meditation can go hand in hand with manifestation (more on that later). Visualization meditation is often enjoyed as a guided meditation.

• Chanting/Mantra Meditation

Mantra meditation can be closely related to spiritual meditation. This type of meditation uses a repetitive word, phrase, or sound to clear the mind (think: “om”) and foster deeper levels of awareness. Mantras can range from sounds, to scriptures, to “I am” statements. Mantras can be spoken loudly or quietly. Chanting/Mantra meditation is great for people who don’t enjoy silence.

• Body Scan Meditation

Also known as progressive relaxation, body scan meditation aims to reduce tension in the body by relaxing one muscle group at a time throughout the whole body. This is a great form of meditation to include in your evening routine.

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So, clearly there are a lot of options here (and this list in no way comprehensive). How do you know which method is best?

The best meditation technique is the one that works for you and makes you excited to show up. What feels good in your body, in your mind? What feels easily accessible to you today, in this moment?

There is no right or wrong way to meditate. Meditating is often a messy practice full of emotions and frustrations. The most important thing is to keep showing up for yourself in whatever way feels best and most true to you.

Do you have a favorite meditation technique?