Meditation: Which Approach Matches Your Personality Style?

Meditation is a diverse practice with numerous techniques and approaches, each designed to cultivate mindfulness, relaxation, and mental clarity.

The following is a list of different ways to meditate. Read through the descriptions to see if a particular meditation style piques your interest or resonates with your personality.

1. Mindful Meditation

This form of meditation involves paying focused attention to the present moment, observing thoughts and sensations without judgment. It’s about being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations as they arise.

2. Transcendental Meditation (TM):

TM involves the use of a specific mantra (a word or sound) that is repeated silently to oneself. The goal is to transcend ordinary thinking and reach a state of deep restful awareness.

3. Loving-kindness Meditation (Metta):

Metta meditation is centered on developing feelings of compassion and loving-kindness. Practitioners typically repeat phrases or affirmations that promote goodwill toward themselves and others.

4. Zen Meditation (Zazen):

Zen meditation is a form of seated meditation practiced in Zen Buddhism. It involves observing the breath and letting go of thoughts and attachments, often with a specific focus on a koan (a paradoxical question or statement).

5. Guided Meditation:

In guided meditation, an instructor or recorded audio guides you through a specific meditation session. This can be helpful for beginners or those seeking a structured practice.

6. Body Scan Meditation:

Body scan meditation involves directing your attention systematically through different parts of your body, typically starting from the toes and moving up to the head. It helps cultivate awareness of bodily sensations and relaxation.

7. Chakra Meditation:

Derived from Hindu and Buddhist traditions, chakra meditation focuses on the body’s energy centers, or chakras. Practitioners aim to balance and align these energy points to promote physical and emotional well-being.

8. Yoga Nidra:

Also known as yogic sleep, this form of meditation is done while lying down in a comfortable position. It involves deep relaxation, guided imagery, and body awareness to promote profound relaxation and reduce stress.

9. Mantra Meditation:

Similar to TM, mantra meditation involves repeating a word, phrase, or sound (mantra) to help focus the mind and achieve a meditative state. Common mantras include “Om” and “Aum.”

10. Vipassana Meditation:

Vipassana, which means “insight,” is a traditional Buddhist meditation technique. It involves observing bodily sensations and mental phenomena to gain insight into the impermanent nature of reality.

11. Breath Awareness Meditation:

This meditation focuses exclusively on the breath. Practitioners observe the natural rhythm of their breath, which helps anchor their attention and promote relaxation.

12. Silent Meditation:

Silent meditation is a self-guided practice without external guidance or mantras. Practitioners sit in silence, observing their thoughts and sensations.

13. Walking Meditation:

Walking meditation involves walking slowly and mindfully, paying attention to each step and your breath. It’s often practiced in a peaceful environment like a garden or park.

14. Artistic Meditation:

Engaging in creative activities such as painting, drawing, or playing musical instruments can also be a form of meditation, as they promote focus and a sense of flow.

15. Sound Meditation:

Sound meditation uses sound vibrations, such as singing bowls, gongs, or chanting, to facilitate relaxation and inner peace.

Relax. Stillness. Breathe.

The choice of meditation technique depends on your goals, preferences, and the desired outcome, whether it’s stress reduction, increased self-awareness, spiritual growth, or simply finding a sense of calm and balance. Experimenting with different types of meditation can help you discover which one resonates most with you.

Journal Starter for Meditation