Practice Meditation for Health Benefits
Meditation is an ancient tradition that’s still practiced all over the world as a technique used to decrease stress, calm the nervous system and quiet the brain.
How to Meditate
There are many meditation techniques and no single one that’s right for everyone! Nonetheless, click here for instructions for Walking Meditation.
In fact, there are many options to choose from…
5 Types of Meditation to Consider:
Mindful Meditation
This can be done anywhere at any time. Make full use of your senses. Pay attention to what you hear, feel, and see. As an example, while driving, turn off the radio, sense your hands on the steering wheel and listen intently to any sounds. Consider each vehicle and pedestrian you pass as an object of interest as if you’ve never seen anything like it before. This is mindful driving.
Zen Meditation
Focus on your breath to remain aware of the present moment, similar to mindful meditation. When your thoughts wander, bring your attention back to your breath and resume your focus on the breath. Try short sessions at first and increase slowly as you can maintain focus longer.
Spiritual Meditation
This may also be called prayer with your focus on your Higher Power or Grand Creator. This type of meditation is used at home, in churches, or other places of worship. Prayer beads such as rosary beads or mala beads are often used to help maintain the focus.
Focused Meditation
Focus your mind on an object rather than the breath, OR in addition to the breath. Gaze at a candle flame, listen to a gong, chanting, or specific instruments in music. Breathe in the scent of incense, essential oils or flowers from a vase or garden to experience it in full focus.
Guided Meditation
This easier form of meditation is great for beginners. Follow along as you listen to a descriptive journey where you are the main character. In your mind, you hike up a mountain, dive into the depths of the ocean, or fly up to the clouds. Any scenario that makes you feel like you are there in a moment of serenity can work.
Meditation is Good for Your Health
There are more styles of meditation than mentioned above and you can keep trying until you find which fits your lifestyle! Start with just 2 – 10 minutes per day and increase from there in small increments.
Research Shows Health Benefits Include:
- Decreased pain
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced anxiety
- Decreased depression or sadness
- Improvement in sleep
- Lengthens attention span
- Enhance memory
- Generates positive feelings towards self and others
Share your thoughts in the comment box below…
What type of meditation have you tried?
Are you a believer?
What is your favorite meditation style?
Are you looking for ways to keep your brain healthy? Read these 5 things you can do right away!
Great information.
Thank you!
I’ve used guided meditation as part of a corporate training onboarding but I’m not a fan of the group setting so it only made me want to giggle. When hiking I am always in awe so I utilize mindful meditation. But, as a believer, spiritual practice daily is an absolute necessity to keep me grounded, ego in check and my perspective fresh! Love your posts, Kathryn!!
I have done spiritual and guided meditation. Really like the guided. Peaceful and relaxing.
I love guided meditation, too!
While walking I enjoy focusing on the sights and sounds around me. Frequently I’m in wooded parks surrounded by nature. This is quite relaxing.
There’s scientific evidence proving the benefits of being in nature!
I’ve done Guided and Spiritual meditation. Like Guided.