Do you want to experience the benefits of meditation, but don’t know where to start?
Meditation is a powerful practice that can help you reduce stress, improve your mood, enhance your focus, and more. But with so many types of meditation techniques available, how do you choose the one that suits you best?
In this blog post, we will introduce you to 10 of the best meditation methods for beginners and explain how they work and what they can do for you. Whether you want to relax, energize, or heal yourself, there is a meditation method that can help you achieve your goals.
1. Mindfulness of Breathing
Mindfulness of breathing is one of the simplest and most effective meditation techniques. It involves focusing on your breath as it flows in and out of your body. By paying attention to your breath, you can calm your mind and become more aware of the present moment.
Mindfulness of breathing can help you reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and cultivate a sense of peace. You can practice it anytime and anywhere, as long as you have a few minutes to spare.
To practice mindfulness of breathing, follow these steps:
Find a comfortable position and close your eyes.
Take a few deep breaths and relax your body.
Bring your attention to your breath as it enters and leaves your nostrils. Notice the sensations of breathing, such as the temperature, the rhythm, and the movement of your chest and abdomen.
If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath. Don’t judge or criticize yourself for getting distracted. Just acknowledge the thoughts and let them go.
Continue to observe your breath for as long as you like. You can also count your breaths from one to ten and then start over.
When you are ready, open your eyes and notice how you feel.
2. Guided Meditation
Guided meditation is a type of meditation that involves listening to a voice or a recording that guides you through a specific scenario or imagery. Guided meditation can help you relax, visualize, and achieve various goals.
Guided meditation can be very helpful for beginners who find it hard to quiet their minds or focus on their own. By following the instructions of the guide, you can easily enter a state of meditation and enjoy the experience.
There are many types of guided meditation available online or in apps, such as relaxation, healing, gratitude, self-love, etc. You can choose the one that resonates with you and suits your needs.
To practice guided meditation, follow these steps:
Find a comfortable position and put on some headphones.
Choose a guided meditation that appeals to you and press play.
Listen to the voice or the music and follow the instructions. Let yourself be guided by the words and the images.
If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the sound. Don’t worry if you miss some parts or fall asleep. Just enjoy the process.
When the guided meditation ends, take some time to notice how you feel.
3. Mantra Meditation
Mantra meditation is a type of meditation that involves repeating a word or a phrase over and over again. A mantra is a sacred sound that has a specific meaning or vibration. By chanting a mantra, you can tune your mind to a higher frequency and connect with your true self.
Mantra meditation can help you increase your focus, calm your emotions, and enhance your spiritual awareness. You can also use mantras to attract positive energy, manifest your desires, or heal yourself.
There are many mantras that you can use for different purposes, such as Om (the universal sound), Aham Prema (I am divine love), So Hum (I am that), etc. You can also create your own mantra that reflects your intention.
To practice mantra meditation, follow these steps:
Find a comfortable position and close your eyes.
Choose a mantra that resonates with you and suits your goal.
Start chanting the mantra aloud or silently in your mind. You can also use a mala (a string of beads) to count the repetitions.
As you chant the mantra, focus on its meaning or its sound. Let it fill your mind and body with its vibration.
If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the mantra. Don’t worry about pronunciation or speed. Just chant with sincerity and devotion.
Continue to chant the mantra for as long as you like. You can also set a timer or chant for a specific number of times (such as 108).
When you are done, sit quietly for a few minutes and notice how you feel.
4. Walking Meditation
Walking meditation is a type of meditation that involves walking mindfully and attentively. Walking meditation can help you integrate meditation into your daily life and enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
Walking meditation can help you improve your posture, balance, coordination, and stamina. It can also help you reduce stress, boost your mood, and connect with nature.
You can practice walking meditation indoors or outdoors, in a park, a garden, or a hallway. You can walk at your own pace, as long as you are comfortable and aware.
To practice walking meditation, follow these steps:
Find a place where you can walk without interruption or distraction.
Start walking slowly and deliberately. Pay attention to your feet as they touch the ground. Feel the sensations of walking, such as the pressure, the temperature, and the movement of your legs.
As you walk, observe your surroundings with curiosity and openness. Notice the colors, the shapes, the sounds, and the smells. Appreciate the beauty and the diversity of life.
If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your walking. Don’t judge or analyze what you see or hear. Just be present and aware.
Continue to walk mindfully for as long as you like. You can also synchronize your breathing with your steps, such as inhaling for four steps and exhaling for four steps.
When you are done, stop and take a moment to thank yourself for walking.
5. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation is a type of meditation that involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body. Progressive muscle relaxation can help you release physical tension, relax your mind, and improve your sleep quality.
Progressive muscle relaxation can be especially helpful for people who suffer from chronic pain, insomnia, or anxiety. It can also help you become more aware of your body and its sensations.
You can practice progressive muscle relaxation lying down or sitting comfortably. You can also use a guided audio or a script to guide you through the process.
To practice progressive muscle relaxation, follow these steps:
Find a comfortable position and close your eyes.
Take a few deep breaths and relax your body.
Start with your feet and toes. Tense them as hard as you can for a few seconds, then release them completely. Notice the difference between tension and relaxation.
Move up to your lower legs and repeat the same process. Tense them for a few seconds, then release them.
Continue to tense and relax each muscle group in your body, moving up from your feet to your head. You can follow this order: feet, lower legs, upper legs, buttocks, abdomen, chest, back, hands, arms, shoulders, neck, face, and head.
As you tense and relax each muscle group, focus on the sensations of tension and relaxation. Breathe deeply and evenly throughout the process.
When you are done with all the muscle groups, take some time to enjoy the feeling of relaxation in your whole body.
6. Visualization
Visualization is a type of meditation that involves creating mental images of positive scenarios or outcomes. Visualization can help you achieve your goals, boost your confidence, and enhance your creativity.
Visualization can also help you relax, heal yourself, or cope with difficult situations. You can use visualization to imagine yourself in a peaceful place, in a healthy state, or in a successful situation.
You can practice visualization by yourself or with the help of a guided audio or a script. You can also use affirmations or positive statements to reinforce your visualization.
To practice visualization, follow these steps:
Find a comfortable position and close your eyes.
Choose a scenario or an outcome that you want to visualize. It can be something realistic or something imaginary. Make sure it is positive and meaningful for you.
Start creating a vivid mental image of your scenario or outcome. Use all your senses to make it as realistic as possible. See the colors, hear the sounds, feel the sensations, smell the aromas, taste the flavors.
As you visualize your scenario or outcome, feel the emotions that it evokes in you. Feel happy, proud, grateful, excited, or any other positive emotion that suits your visualization.
As you visualize your scenario or outcome, repeat some affirmations or positive statements that support it. For example: “I am calm and confident”, “I am healthy and strong”, “I am successful and fulfilled”.
Continue to visualize your scenario or outcome for as long as you like. You can also add some details or variations to make it more interesting or enjoyable.
When you are done, open your eyes and notice how you feel.
7. Zen Meditation
Zen meditation is a type of meditation that originated from Zen Buddhism. It involves sitting in a specific posture and observing your breath and mind with detachment and clarity.
Zen meditation can help you attain insight into yourself and reality by transcending thoughts and emotions. It can also help you cultivate concentration, discipline, and compassion.
Zen meditation is usually practiced in a Zen temple or center under the guidance of a teacher or a master. However, you can also practice it at home by following some basic instructions.
To practice Zen meditation (also known as Zazen), follow these steps:
Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.
Sit on a cushion (also known as zafu) or a chair with your back straight and your hands on your lap.
Cross your legs in a comfortable position (such as lotus, half-lotus, or Burmese) or keep them uncrossed if you are sitting on a chair.
Lower your gaze and keep your eyes open or half-open.
Breathe naturally through your nose and focus on your breath as it enters and leaves your nostrils.
Count your breaths from one to ten and then start over. If you lose count or get distracted, start again from one.
If you notice any thoughts or emotions arising, acknowledge them without judgment or attachment, and let them go. Return to your breath.
Continue to sit in this way for 5 to 30 minutes or longer if you like.
When you are done, bow to the cushion or the chair as a sign of gratitude and respect.
Zen meditation requires patience, persistence, and practice. Don’t expect to achieve enlightenment overnight. Instead, focus on the process of sitting and breathing, and let the insights come naturally.
8. Loving-Kindness Meditation
Loving-kindness meditation is a type of meditation that involves cultivating a feeling of unconditional love and compassion for yourself and others. Loving-kindness meditation can help you heal emotional wounds, improve your relationships, and increase your happiness.
Loving-kindness meditation is based on the Buddhist concept of metta, which means benevolence, goodwill, and friendliness. By practicing metta, you can develop a positive attitude towards yourself and others, regardless of their faults or differences.
You can practice loving-kindness meditation by repeating a series of phrases that express your wishes for yourself and others. You can start with yourself, then extend your wishes to someone you love, someone you are neutral towards, someone you have difficulty with, and finally all beings.
To practice loving-kindness meditation, follow these steps:
Find a comfortable position and close your eyes.
Bring your attention to your heart center and feel a warm and gentle sensation there.
Think of yourself and say these phrases silently or aloud: “May I be happy. May I be healthy. May I be safe. May I be at peace.”
Repeat these phrases several times, feeling the meaning behind each word.
Next, think of someone you love and say these phrases: “May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you be at peace.”
Repeat these phrases several times, feeling the love and gratitude you have for this person.
Next, think of someone you are neutral towards, such as a stranger or an acquaintance, and say these phrases: “May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you be at peace.”
Repeat these phrases several times, feeling the respect and kindness you have for this person.
Next, think of someone you have difficulty with, such as an enemy or a rival, and say these phrases: “May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you be at peace.”
Repeat these phrases several times, feeling the forgiveness and compassion you have for this person.
Finally, think of all beings in the world, human and non-human, and say these phrases: “May all beings be happy. May all beings be healthy. May all beings be safe. May all beings be at peace.”
Repeat these phrases several times, feeling the connection and goodwill you have for all beings.
When you are done, open your eyes and notice how you feel.
9. Chakra Meditation
Chakra meditation is a type of meditation that involves balancing and activating the seven energy centers in your body. Chakras are spinning wheels of energy that correspond to different aspects of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Chakra meditation can help you harmonize your energy flow, heal your blockages, and awaken your potential.
The seven chakras are:
The root chakra (Muladhara), located at the base of your spine. It represents your survival instincts, security, stability, and connection to the earth.
The sacral chakra (Svadhisthana), located below your navel. It represents your creativity, sexuality, emotions, pleasure, and desire.
The solar plexus chakra (Manipura), located above your navel. It represents your personal power, confidence, willpower, and self-esteem.
The heart chakra (Anahata), located at the center of your chest. It represents your love, compassion, empathy, and harmony.
The throat chakra (Vishuddha), located at your throat. It represents your communication, expression, truth, and authenticity.
The third eye chakra (Ajna), located between your eyebrows. It represents your intuition, wisdom, insight, and vision.
The crown chakra (Sahasrara), located at the top of your head. It represents your spirituality, enlightenment, consciousness, and connection to the divine.
You can practice chakra meditation by using different techniques to activate and balance each chakra. Some of these techniques include:
Visualizing a specific color for each chakra (red for root chakra; orange for sacral chakra; yellow for solar plexus chakra; green or pink for heart chakra; blue for throat chakra; indigo for third eye chakra; violet or white for crown chakra).
Chanting a specific sound or mantra for each chakra (Lam for root chakra; Vam for sacral chakra; Ram for solar plexus chakra; Yam for heart chakra; Ham for throat chakra; Om for third eye chakra; silence or Aum for crown chakra).
Using crystals or stones that resonate with each chakra (garnet or ruby for root chakra; carnelian or amber for sacral chakra; citrine or tiger’s eye for solar plexus chakra; rose quartz or jade for heart chakra; turquoise or lapis lazuli for throat chakra; amethyst or sapphire for third eye chakra; clear quartz or diamond for crown chakra).
Doing yoga poses or exercises that stimulate each chakra (mountain pose or squat for root chakra; cobra pose or pelvic tilt for sacral chakra; boat pose or abdominal crunch for solar plexus chakra; camel pose or chest opener for heart chakra; bridge pose or neck stretch for throat chakra; child’s pose or eye movement for third eye chakra; headstand or meditation for crown chakra).
10. Body Scan Meditation
Body scan meditation is a type of meditation that involves paying attention to different parts of your body with curiosity and kindness. Body scan meditation can help you relax, release tension, and increase your body awareness.
Body scan meditation is often used as a part of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a program that teaches people how to cope with stress, pain, and illness.
You can practice body scan meditation by lying down or sitting comfortably. You can also use a guided audio or a script to guide you through the process.
To practice body scan meditation, follow these steps:
Find a comfortable position and close your eyes.
Take a few deep breaths and relax your body.
Bring your attention to your feet and toes. Notice any sensations, such as warmth, coldness, tingling, pressure, etc. Don’t judge or try to change anything, just observe what is there.
If you notice any tension, pain, or discomfort in your feet, gently breathe into it and let it go.
Move your attention to your lower legs and repeat the same process. Notice any sensations, breathe into any tension, and let it go.
Continue to move your attention up your body, scanning each part with curiosity and kindness. You can follow this order: feet, lower legs, upper legs, buttocks, abdomen, chest, back, hands, arms, shoulders, neck, face, head.
As you scan each part of your body, notice how it feels in relation to the rest of your body. Notice how each part supports the other parts and how they work together as a whole.
When you reach the top of your head, take a moment to appreciate your whole body as a miraculous system of life.
When you are ready, open your eyes and notice how you feel.
Conclusion
Meditation is a powerful tool that can help you transform your life and achieve your goals. By practicing meditation regularly, you can reduce stress, improve your mood, enhance your focus, and more.
Meditation is not a luxury or a privilege; it’s a necessity for your well-being.
In this blog post, we have introduced you to 10 of the best meditation methods for beginners. These methods are easy to learn, simple to practice, and effective in their results. You can choose the one that suits you best and start practicing today.
Mindfulness of breathing can help you calm your mind and become more aware of the present moment. Guided meditation can help you relax, visualize, and achieve various goals. Mantra meditation can help you tune your mind to a higher frequency and connect with your true self. Walking meditation can help you integrate meditation into your daily life and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Progressive muscle relaxation can help you release physical tension, relax your mind, and improve your sleep quality. Visualization can help you achieve your goals, boost your confidence, and enhance your creativity. Zen meditation can help you attain insight into yourself and reality by transcending thoughts and emotions. Loving-kindness meditation can help you heal emotional wounds, improve your relationships, and increase your happiness. Chakra meditation can help you harmonize your energy flow, heal your blockages, and awaken your potential. Body scan meditation can help you relax, release tension, and increase your body awareness.
These 10 meditation methods are not mutually exclusive; you can combine them or modify them according to your needs and preferences. You can also create your own meditation method that reflects your personality and style.
Remember that meditation is not a quick fix or a magic pill; it’s a lifelong practice that requires patience, persistence, and practice. Don’t expect to achieve enlightenment overnight or to eliminate all your problems with one session. Instead, focus on the process of meditating and let the insights come naturally.
We hope this blog post has inspired you to try some of these meditation techniques and discover what works for you. Remember that meditation is not a destination; it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. Be kind to yourself, be patient, and enjoy the present moment.
Thank you for reading this blog post! We wish you a happy meditating journey!