Basic Types of Meditation – Altering Consciousness for Universal Receptivity

We hear the phrases ‘zoning out’ or ‘chilling’ and pleas for someone to just ‘take me away from all this’ often not realizing that that’s exactly what meditation is and can do – without need from an outside party necessarily. In its inception, various types of meditation were centered around religious teachings, practices, and beliefs with the goal of altering everyday consciousness in effort become receptive to the goals of that particular tradition.

Today, there are literally countless forms of guided and self mediation practices that can be done in collectives or solo, and unless you choose a form specific to a religious practice, the experience can be wholly free of any pressure to find “God” per se. Western types of meditation often focus on form of body, awareness and acceptance in the mind, and some may sit still the entire session. These basic types of meditation offer a realm of options among them, so there is a style suited for most anyone of any age of physical condition. All meditations to some extent alter consciousness and help one be more open to receiving universal insights and information.

Concentrative Meditation

Often where meditation teachers will start beginners in Western practice, the goal of this meditation style is to cultivate and master a single-pointed attention span on a specific object such as a flame, an image, breathing, or a sound. Whatever technique of concentration meditation you are practicing, it’s essential to place your attention on solely the object of focus, holding it there without distraction.

Anytime the mind wanders, simply return it to the object of your meditation. In time, you’ll likely find that your mind will become calmer, more powerful, and able to complete tasks with more precision and understanding. With advanced practice, many individuals achieve states of bliss, and a popular form of this style is TM, or transcendental meditation.

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