If you speak about types of meditation, you may come up with a long list. Different experts use different terms, but the gist of everything boils down to the same ideas. The exercises target 2 things:

1. Shifting your focus on background perception and experience. This is what people refer to as mindfulness. During this activity, you are asked to sit comfortably in a quiet spot before you hone in on one object or perception. When something else enters your thoughts, you can welcome the picture so that you can use it as an anchor that brings you back to the present situation.

2. Focusing on a preselected object. This is what people call concentrative because it asks you to center your attention on one particular thing. This form of exercise is practiced in several religions. As the meditator, you are asked to keep your focus on one particular object or perception, and nothing else.

Contrary to popular belief, meditation is possible while doing other simple tasks. When no science can help you eliminate negative feelings, be it about the state your life is in or the habits you want changed, meditation gives you the solution to your dilemma.

For the sake of clarity, you can group the process of meditation in three further types. The first is inner light meditation. In this, you will be asked to create a light once you shut your eyelids. This will be your primary object of focus. When you use this as the focal point of the exercise, you should bring in feelings of peace and serenity. The light serves as a connection your core self. As simple as the entire process sounds, this has the potential of going very deep into your soul.

The second type is mindfulness meditation. Your primary focus will be on your breathing. This is when you are asked to stay calm despite other thoughts entering your mind. The more you fight against these other forces, the more futile your efforts become. Allow other thoughts and emotions in; just make sure you don’t get ensnared in the web of forces. When you accept the other thoughts, you zone in on your core self.

Lastly, there is the mantra meditation, which is the most popular. As easy as it is, it is just as powerful. And like its counterparts, it allows connection with your innermost spirit. The use of a mantra is required here so that this can serve as your object of focus. The typical “Aum, Aum” is the mantra used because it is believed that if you were to tune it to the actual sound of the cosmos, this is what you would hear.

Try not to make too many assumptions. When it comes to meditating, there is no right and wrong. If you limit yourself too much, you won’t be able to explore all the possibilities available for you. The point is to relax. Just one thing you need to be vigilant about is the way you sit. Don’t slouch! Keep your spine straight so that the spiritual energy moves seamlessly up and down your spine. Should you suffer from back problems, it is perfectly alright to lean your back on something for support. Because the practice of meditation goes beyond any belief or religion, you can call on a higher power and ask for assistance. Anything that can help you is welcome.