"The thing about meditation is: You become more and more you." - David Lynch

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of daily life, or find yourself ruminating in thought from one “to-do” list to another? 

Do you wish you could find a way to relax and increase your overall sense of wellbeing? 

Well, look no further than meditation! This ancient practice has been around for centuries and is known for its incredible benefits. In this article, we will explore the different types of meditation and how they can help you reduce stress and find inner peace. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and tranquility!

Personally, I have always been a rather “anxious type” person. I want to get everything done (like yesterday), and with an evergrowing list of things to get done, I can get into a state of overwhelm. When this happens, I am out of “flow” where I can stay focused on one task for a long time period, and I am easily distracted. Often I look to food for a dose of feel -calmer dopamine hit.  

Over the years, I have been encouraged to take up meditation by many coaches and therapists. I was pretty reluctant, and slow to do it regularly, but I have managed to make it an important part of my days and weeks because I found meditation that I enjoy, I see dramatic results from it, and it makes me closer to my ideal version of yourself. My goal is to invoke some curiosity in you that may just lead to you finding a valuable new tool in your toolbox!

Let’s review a few types of meditation:

1. Mindfulness meditation: Let's start with one of the most popular forms of meditation - mindfulness. This practice involves focusing your attention on the present moment, without judgment. Imagine sitting comfortably, taking deep breaths, and simply observing your thoughts and sensations. Mindfulness meditation helps you become more aware of your emotions and thoughts, allowing you to respond to them in a calm and non-reactive way. By practicing mindfulness regularly, you can reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve your overall mental wellbeing.

A quiet space, comfortable posture and clothing, and letting thoughts come and flow away. Some guided meditations on this are available on YouTube.  Search for “mindfulness meditation”

Here are 2 examples:

 10-Minute Meditation For Anxiety

Mindfulness Meditation - Guided 10 Minutes

2. Loving-kindness meditation: This type of meditation is all about cultivating love and compassion towards yourself and others. Through loving-kindness meditation, you send positive intentions and well wishes to yourself, loved ones, and even to people you may have difficulty with. By doing so, you develop a sense of empathy, forgiveness, and connectedness. This practice not only reduces stress and anxiety but also fosters a more positive outlook on life.

I like Gabby Bernstein- she has her own app, is on YouTube, and runs quarterly challenges. She focuses on self love, forgiveness, manifesting.

Example: 

5 Min Morning Meditation for Positive Energy All Day ☀️ | Gabby Bernstein

Gabrielle Bernstein - Positive Energy Meditation

3. Transcendental meditation: If you're seeking a meditation practice that takes you to a deeper state of relaxation, transcendental meditation might be just what you need. This technique involves the use of a mantra - a word or phrase that you repeat silently to yourself. By focusing on this mantra, you allow your mind to settle down and experience a state of restful awareness. Transcendental meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and creativity, and promote overall mental and physical wellbeing.

This is a more advanced practice and can buy online courses or find live ones near you. Here is an overview: How to Do Transcendental Meditation - Bob Roth, Oprah’s TM Teacher

4. Guided meditation: For those who find it challenging to meditate on their own, guided meditation can be a great option. In this practice, you listen to a recorded meditation session or follow along with a meditation app. The guide will lead you through various relaxation techniques, visualization exercises, and mindfulness practices. Guided meditation is an excellent way to learn the basics of meditation and can be particularly helpful for beginners.

Insight Timer app, or Calm App. where you can choose various lengths, styles, or moods you are trying to achieve. My personal favorite is Sarah Blondin on Insight timer app.

Examples:

 Guided Meditation To Uplift Your Heart with Sarah Blondin

Meditation for Depression, Anxiety & Stress (Guided Relaxation)

DEEP RELAXATION: Guided 10 Minute Visualisation Meditation

5. Sound bath meditation: For those who do not enjoy guided meditation, this various pitch toned music by tapping on crystal bowls can be a very relaxing experience without the added pressure of worrying about breathing or following someone else's voice. These pitches force our nervous system into relaxation. 

Search “Sound Bath meditation” on YouTube.

Here is an example: 

432Hz - Calming Crystal Singing Bowls - Sound Bath (No Talking, 4K) Sleep, Heal

528 Hz Love Frequency Positive Energy Crystal Singing Bowls | Self Love Meditation Sound Bath

Now that we've explored some of the different types of meditation, let's talk about the incredible benefits that await you on your meditation journey. Research has shown that regular meditation practice can:

- Reduce stress and anxiety: By quieting the mind and focusing on the present moment, meditation helps to calm the nervous system and reduce the production of stress hormones. This leads to a sense of peace and relaxation.

-Lower blood pressure and cortisol (thereby blood glucose)

- Improve sleep quality: Many people struggle with sleep issues due to racing thoughts and stress. Meditation can help you unwind before bed, allowing you to experience a more restful and rejuvenating sleep.

- Increase self-awareness: Through meditation, you become more attuned to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This heightened self-awareness can lead to better decision-making, improved relationships, and a deeper understanding of yourself.

- Boost overall wellbeing: Regular meditation practice has been linked to improved mood, increased feelings of joy and happiness, and a greater sense of overall well-being. It's like a daily dose of happiness!

Now that you know the different types of meditation and the incredible benefits they offer, it's time to give it a try! 

Find a quiet and comfortable space, set aside a few minutes each day, and embark on your meditation journey. Remember, it's not about achieving perfection or completely silencing your thoughts. It's about finding a moment of stillness and peace in the midst of your busy life.

So, don’t put it off. Start today, even for just 5 minutes. Soon, you will be looking forward to your daily dose of OM!  Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and let the magic of meditation unfold. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it!