There are many different types of meditation, but here are four common practices:

1. Mindfulness Meditation:

   This practice involves focusing on your breath, body sensations, thoughts, and emotions as they arise without judgment. The goal is to observe your experience in the present moment without getting carried away by thoughts.

   • Key aspects: Paying attention to the present moment, non-judgmental observation.
   • Benefit: Increased awareness of thoughts and emotions, reduced stress.

   Source: Mindful.org

2. Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta):

   This meditation focuses on cultivating feelings of love, compassion, and kindness towards yourself and others. It typically involves repeating phrases that express these intentions.

   • Key aspects: Cultivating positive emotions, extending kindness to self and others.
   • Benefit: Increased feelings of connection, improved relationships.

   Source: Greater Good Magazine

3. Transcendental Meditation (TM):

   TM involves using a mantra (a specific word or sound) to quiet the mind and promote a state of deep relaxation and inner peace. It is typically practiced for 20 minutes twice a day.

   • Key aspects: Use of a mantra, deep relaxation.
   • Benefit: Reduced anxiety, improved focus.

   Source: TM.org

4. Walking Meditation:

   This form of meditation involves paying attention to the physical sensations of walking, such as the feeling of your feet touching the ground and the movement of your body. It can be practiced indoors or outdoors.

   • Key aspects: Focus on physical sensations of walking, mindful movement.
   • Benefit: Grounding, increased body awareness.

   Source: Mindful.org