We often complain about the lack of focus in our work, in whatever we do. Not able to concentrate, taking more time in doing things that usually took you less time are normal when you feel losing the track of your focus. Meditation is a proven method to increase the level of concentration in us and help us focus more in order to enhance our overall productivity and living standards. Now only sitting in a meditative position will not help you achieve a focused mind. One has to choose from a lot of meditation techniques in order to achieve a completely focused mind and body.
Meditation is extensively acclaimed as a health advancing practice. Meditation has a widespread benefit and is just not limited to enhancing focus. Varied meditation techniques are known to reduce stress, get relieved from physical complaints like headaches and boost immunity. With all the added benefits and with only 5-7 minutes to spend is the reason why meditation is broadly adapted as one of the starters in yoga practices.
Researchers around the world commonly group meditation techniques into two different categories: concentrative and non-concentrative. The concentrative technique incorporates focusing on objects that are far from oneself, at a distance like a showpiece kept on the centre table, any instrument etc. The Non-concentrative meditation can involve a more extensive focus such as the sounds around you, your internal body states, or even your own breathing. Although these two corresponds to be a broader category, there are following techniques which can be listed.
Basic Meditation
Basic Meditation is all about sotting in a comfortable position and seeking your breath as a point of focus. Listening to the vibrations of your own breath to focus is the technique here. During the course of basic meditation, we might get distracted by thoughts and noises. In that case, we just need to redirect our focus back to the sound of our own breath.
Focused Meditation
In focused meditation, we focus on an object or anything around us without having to engage thoughts on it. We just focus our eyesight on the object and not think about it. The object can be anything like a vase, a painting, a distant sound. Focused meditation is preferred by some since they find it easier to focus on something rather than nothing.
Activity-Oriented Meditation
Activity oriented meditation is a blend of meditation and activities that you may be already doing. These activities can be anything that helps you focus like certain exercise, listening to music etc. The benefit of this type of meditation is that we get to engage in an activity that you like and yet get your mind focused.
Mindfulness Meditation
Meditating cleanses the mind. Mindfulness, in a simple sense is staying in the present moment instead than constantly thinking about the future or the past and pondering over it. Our mind and body sync in to give us a complete state of mindfulness. This technique of meditation creates a rapport between bodily sensations and emotions to enhance mindfulness.
Spiritual Meditation
Meditation and Yoga are not specific to any one religion, meditation can be a spiritual practice too. Spiritual meditation can help you ponder on a question and search the answer to it. An answer that clarifies the question and doesn’t leave loopholes. This practice in turns helps you to stay clear-headed and accept things as they come naturally. Indulging in a spiritual mediation helps absorbs adversities in a calmer manner.
Meditation and Yoga practices have a lot to choose from. No matter what technique we choose, our ultimate goal should be to achieve mindfulness, a healthier body, a healthier mind and a an enhanced personality. After all, meditation and yoga is a way of life and not a workout regime.