People love this ultimate guide to meditation!

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Meditation, a word that has ruled the internet and people are widely talking about it since last few years and are taking up meditation as their daily habit. Many agree to the fact that it helps a person a lot in terms of mental and physical growth. 

Lots of people in the world already know why it's important to meditate and all but still they aren't performing as they actually should be. So, what's the real reason for people not doing it? I asked few people about it and they said it's boring. They said it's difficult to sit at one place for minutes and meditate. 

I think that people don't meditate is because it has become natural phenomenon that people act or take actions only when anything becomes our only option or need. Meditation is not about controlling your thoughts, or it isn't about trying to empty your mind, it's simply not possible for normal people like us. 

Instead, it's about paying close attention at present moment. Controlling your thoughts is a hellish task to accomplish and it happens only after one performs it for years and requires a lot of practice. I would like to get to the bottom of what real meditation is. 

Meditation is a blissful experience that relaxes your mind, body and sends you into a different world. This world is none other than your own self. Meditation is a way of nourishing the holiness within you. When the mind is still, the whole world surrenders. Meditation is a way to discover the universe which is inside you.

A lot of experienced masters and wise people have confirmed that there are more than 40 types of meditation, so you have got a lot of them to choose from if one type doesn't seem to work for you, consider trying another one before you give up. I have listed few types of meditation below that are suitable for beginners:

1. Mindfulness meditation-

Mindfulness meditation is the most popular type of meditation all over the world. It's a process of observing the details of thoughts and feelings coming by your mind and slowly letting them pass. That means being in the present moment and noticing where you are, what you are thinking, what you are listening and the most important focusing on your breath.

Mindfulness meditation can be done in any pose you feel comfortable in. If you feel comfortable in the couch or chair, then you can practice meditation over there. Never practice meditation in a uncomfortable pose as it will take your mind towards the pain. The only condition is your back should be straight and neck should be erect. Make sure you don't slouch or bend your neck.

Mindfulness meditation can be done anywhere and anytime during the day. It just needs a comfortable position and you're good to go. You can choose to be mindful anywhere including while you are commuting to your work.

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2. AUM chanting meditation-

This type of meditation is about chanting of AUM. Note that many people will ask you chant OM instead of AUM but meditation experts confirm that, over a period of time the word is perceived as OM. The idea behind AUM chanting is that it causes vibrations in the body. As you pronounce AUM, the vibrations will go from your navel up straight to the throat.

You can practice it in any comfortable pose, but you will need a quiet place for doing it. Now many people are confused as to how it is pronounced. AUM is pronounced in this way: AA-UU-MM. For better understanding, you can visit this link.

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3. Mantra meditation- 

Mantra meditation is when you chant a mantra chosen by you and repeat it either in your mind or loudly. Mantra meditation uses repetitive chant to relax the mind. As you start repeating the mantra, all the thoughts or emotions are blown away and it helps you clear your mind.

This meditation is best for people who find it difficult to focus on breath and someone who can focus on words easily. After you start chanting the mantra, you get flown in the focused environment and enter the meditative state.

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❖ Guided meditation-

Guided meditation is not a type of meditation but in guided meditation, mindfulness meditation is practiced. This meditation has turned out to be extremely effective for beginners which you will understand after you practice it. In this meditation you are allowed to imagery and visualization in which you form relaxing pictures or situation in mind. It's suggested to use as many senses as possible such as, smell, music to arouse stillness in your relaxing space.

This type of meditation is usually led by a guide who takes you through this mental journey which relaxes your mind. If you can't find a guide, just search for guided meditation videos for whatever time duration on YouTube. There are plenty of videos to help you meditate effectively.

You can try this meditation and see if it works for you. Though it's works best for many, many argue that they need total silence while meditation and don't want to listen voice of anyone.

Above, I have listed the types of meditation which are easy to carry out and can be done by literally anyone. Note that there are many different types of meditation you can practice. I have listed only 3 as these are practiced by majority of people in the world and as mentioned above, they are easy to practice.

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How to meditate?

1. Find a suitable place

Find yourself a place or room in your house where you can comfortably sit and meditate. You can sit on the ground, bed, couch or chair, wherever you are most comfortable.

2. Determine your position

You have to figure out a particular pose for yourself in which you feel comfortable. Remember if your pose is uncomfortable you would not be able to concentrate on other things.

3. Try to concentrate

Close your eyes. Take 10 deep breaths and after every breath you complete, count number from 10 to 1 through. For example, after taking first breath say 10 in your mind, then after second breath say 9 in mind and so on. This is a great way to wipe out thoughts from mind. This step is optional, although, it's quite helpful. 

4. Observe your breath

Keep your full attention on your breath, if your mind wanders, bring it back, and focus. Be with each breath as it passes through your nostril. Rest, until the next breath naturally begins. Don't rush your breath, keep it slow and gentle.

5. Notice your thoughts or emotion

Your mind will get flown through the thoughts but you have to remind yourself to come back again to concentrate on breath. The aim to go with the flow, and accept the energy from the universe. Even if random thoughts are approaching your mind, let it happen. You just need to believe that the thoughts will leave your mind after some time. 

After your meditation is over, try to maintain the calmness within you throughout the day. This meditation is called mindfulness meditation. You can practice any one of the types of meditation which is mentioned above. You must figure out what works for you and which one helps you the most.

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When is the best time you can meditate?

There is no best time to meditate. You can practice it anytime during the day. No research or study show anytime bad for meditation. But as most people agree, morning is the best time to meditate. 

The reason is simple, the world has not opened yet at that time so early. The hustle bustle of the world has not started which makes the environment more peaceful to carry out meditation.

Conclusion

Meditation is a deep analysis of your own self. If you practice it everyday regularly, you could experience magical things happening in your life. You just need to trust the process. Everyone will tell you different meanings of meditation. It's exactly like different brands of the same product.

Each person you will ask about meditation will tell you different things about it and will tell they are right. We can lead our life so as to who we are and what our life is up to. Remember, if you want to lead a healthy lifestyle where your mind is calm and composed all the time, meditation is the key. Experience it yourself.

"Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend" – Bruce Lee