When it comes to learning meditation, one requires to learn several important techniques in order to achieve success and obtain maximum benefits. Remember that effective meditation includes a lot of techniques.

The techniques of meditation vary from one culture to other. However, the art of meditation is one. It is universal. These techniques have been developed to suit different personalities.

You would find that certain techniques demand concentration, focus and attention. There are also other techniques that are expansive. ‘Vipassana’ form of meditation is such a technique. It allows one to enjoy free flow of thoughts in conjunction with observation.

Here are some of the most common techniques used in:

a) Mantra meditation:

A mantra can be defined as a grouping of different sound vibrations that have an effect on the physical as well as mental consciousness. Traditionally, these are given to a student by a Teacher or ‘Guru’. However, in the absence of a Guru, the practitioner or the student can opt for his own mantra.

One needs to follow an important rule when selecting a mantra. According to this rule, one must choose a mantra that appeals to the mind fully when spoken verbally. When chanting mantra, powerful vibrations are created. These are said to be directed to the appropriate ‘Chakras’ in order to attract certain divine forces.

This technique works towards healing the physical, spiritual and psychological body of the practitioner. One must fully enjoy the rhythm of the mantra when it is chanted. It is also necessary to surrender oneself to the whole experience.

b) Steady gaze or Trataka:

This is a simple but very beautiful technique of meditation. You need to use a regular candle for this technique. Some people prefer using other objects of their choice. You should set up the candle at an arm’s length. It should be placed in level with eyes.

Perform steady gazing with eyes open first. After a while, you can close your eyes and gaze at the after image of the flame. This should be gazed at the eye brow center. Do not move through out the practice. Now, relax your breath and lengthen and deepen it. Repeat the process for sometime.

c) Chakra meditation:

Charka meditation refers to a simple way for neophytes to explore the charkas via self help. This helps in providing a sense of awakening in them gently. This is done in a balanced integrated manner.

You can perform it either sitting or lying. You need to close your eyes, adjust your body and clothing. Let your breath relax, slow and then deepen. Do not make an attempt to control it. Once you are settled down, begin with Ujjayi pranayam and do this for sometime.

Bring awareness towards the spinal passage. Do it for a few minutes. Ascend with inhalation and descend with exhalation. Try to locate charkas within that channel. Don’t locate the exact location. Only focus in general area. Feel the location of these charkas and repeat its name mentally as you pass by it.

You need to mentally repeat from Mooldhara to Ajna and then reverse the order. Prior to finishing, let go of breath sound and then names. Now, chant mantra ‘Om’ for about three times.

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Since early civilization, meditation has been practiced by people for the benefits it offers. You can dramatically affect the way stress impacts you by incorporating medidation into your daily life. Finding the right meditation posture or position for you may be the key for you to make meditation your daily habit.

One of the most well known positions for meditation is the cross legged position or lotus position. Many instructors teach their students this position which requires that you sit tall with a straight spine. You must avoid slouching because it can disrupt the free flow of energy or life force through your body.

Since Westeners are often not comfortable sitting in the lotus position, a popular meditation position is to simply sit in a chair with feet planted firmly on the floor and legs uncrossed. Your hands can lay comfortably in your lap or with your palms facing upward. Once again, you need to keep your spine erect and your head straight while in the seated pose.

With a kneeling meditation position, the meditator kneels while seated on the backs of his or her heels. The hands rest on his or her thighs. Once again, this position is one that is often difficult for Westerners and if you’re not used to it, it can cause damage to your knees.

The lying down position is also known as the corpse pose in yoga. The person lies back on a mat or carpeted floor with their arms resting gently by their sides and their palms rolled upward. Their legs are straight and their feet are gently turned outwards. This is a wonderful meditation posture for stress relief but it is much easier to fall asleep in this position.

You can also add hand positions to your meditation practice. For example, you can rest your right hand over your left with your thumbs pressed together. Another is to form a circle with the thumb and index finger of each hand. You can further induce a state of deep meditation by using a mantra or by focusing on your breathing. There are many ways of meditating born out of many traditions. The hardest part in meditation is finding a technique that works for you but you need to stick with a technique for more than a few weeks at a time before changing it.

Chronic stress is often the cause for major illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Learn how to reduce your stress and live longer when you visit Stress Reduction Meditation Laura Whitelaw is a Certified ZPoint Practitioner and Meridian Tapping Coach at The Way To Bliss Now where you can get access to a free prosperity audio to manifest the life you dream of!

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