Practiced for thousands of years, meditation is a mind-body technique designed to encourage a heightened state of awareness and focused attention.
While meditation is often used for religious purposes, it can also be a psychotherapeutic technique used to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, to enhance perception and awareness, and to bring about general well-being.
Meditation has been demonstrated to increase focus, reduce stress, and promote calmness. When used in conjunction with mindfulness practices, it can also help subjects recognize and accept negative emotions, particularly in a structured group setting or with social support from a therapist, family member, or friend.
Most religious traditions include meditation, but this portion of our guide is mostly concerned with its use as a mind-body intervention.
In psychotherapy, meditation is used to increase the conscious awareness of patients. The US-based National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health defines the use of meditation as "a mind and body practice that has a long history of use for increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being."
Its use has been encouraged in patients undergoing long-term psychiatric or medical therapy to reduce anxiety, pain, or depression.
The American Heart Association issued a statement in 2017 to the effect that meditation could be a reasonable adjunct practice for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Meditation has also been found to have some positive effects with patients suffering from migraine headaches, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, and cognitive decline in elderly patients. Various forms of meditation have been used to decrease symptoms of PTSD and depression.
There are various meditation methods, but no one right way to meditate. The term is used to describe several techniques designed to promote mind and body integration. Some forms of meditation involve maintaining a mental focus on a sensation, while others use sound, music, repetition, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing, and focused awareness on the present without judgment.
Some people practice solitary meditation, while others might benefit from guided meditation.
Categories
@Buddhist Meditation@New Age Meditation | @Insight Meditation |
Recommended Resources
Founded in Norway in 1955, Acem is a non-profit organization devoted to establishing an understanding and teaching of meditation based on first-hand experience and in line with scientific research and psychological perspectives. Operated by a group of volunteer instructors, the organization is active in Austria, China, the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, India, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
https://acem.com/
Brian Mac Relaxation Techniques
Brian Mac is a Level 4 performance coach with British Athletics, and his site offers information for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, sports science students, and sports coaches. The section on relaxation techniques reviews relaxation techniques which are, although he doesn't use the word, a form of meditation designed to relax every part of the body, focus on relaxed feelings, and breathing exercises. Step-by-step instructions are presented, with a link to a book that offers further information.
https://www.brianmac.co.uk/relax.htm
Developed by the Foundation for International Spiritual Unfoldment (FISU), the site describes its meditation techniques, including the premise that it can be used with or without religious beliefs and regardless of background. Residential and specialty meditation courses, meditation course fees, deepening courses and intensives, and courses for children and teenagers are promoted, and its meditation centers and events are featured. Videos and audio are available.
https://www.fisu.org/
Guided Meditation Framework, The
Heather Hayward is a results coach, meditation teacher, and immersive experience leader. She has developed her own method of coaching combined with guided meditation and laser-targeted inquiry, which is used as a tool to facilitate deep contemplation. Her experience and an overview of her Immersive Leadership Academy and Immersive Meditation Method are set forth, along with client reviews, an informational blog, hours of operation, an email address, and an online contact form.
https://guidedmeditationframework.com/
With a focus on Buddhist meditation, the site offers a guide to meditation that can be used whether one is Buddhist or not. The benefits of meditation are outlined, along with meditation posture, breathing meditations, loving-kindness meditation, transforming meditation, and the five essential stages (preparation, contemplation, meditation, dedication, practice) to successful meditation on Lamrim are outlined. Meditation videos and a guide to finding meditation classes are included.
https://how-to-meditate.org/
Inner Space is a meditation and personal development center in London, England. The facility offers live online sessions, in-person events, and workplace sessions, which are described here, including dates and registration, when applicable. Inner Space is also the information center for the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, which teaches skills of reflection and meditation derived from Raja Yoga. Photographs and videos are posted on the site, and contacts are posted.
https://www.innerspace.org.uk/
IMS is a meditation retreat center in Barre, Massachusetts. Featured is a history of the facility, architecture, and gardens, and a virtual tour of the center. Retreat center schedules, information on what to expect when arriving at a retreat, the food and accommodations, and an introduction to the meditation teachers are set forth, along with teacher talks, the benefits of meditation, retreat center fees, job openings, and home retreat guidelines are included, with contacts.
https://www.dharma.org/
Intended to be a simple guide to meditation techniques, affirmations, and positive thinking, the website discusses various types of meditation and relaxation, including Buddhist meditation, Christian meditation, Kriya Yoga, Paramahansa Yogananda, Pink Bubble meditation, Raja Yoga meditation, Sahaja Yoga meditation, Waves of Light meditation, Zen meditation, and others, including meditating on the Third Eye, with descriptions and instructions. Also included are inspiring stories and resources.
http://www.learn-to-meditate.com/
Life Transition Meditation Center
Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Life Transition Meditation Center promotes individual and social healing through meditation practice, education, and research. Both in-person and retreats are offered, utilizing a somatic meditation model and a format that allows for individual attention within a small group. The somatic meditation model used is described, and class schedules are posted. Other resources include a photo gallery, a blog, a literature list, and contacts.
https://www.lifetransition.com/
Ina R. Ames is the creator of the Magic Meditations Workshops series and is the voice on the CDs. The series includes six CDs - one relaxation and meditation CD with three different time lengths and five workshops, all of which will help the listener to become more relaxed, calm, and serene. Each features relaxation and meditation exercises, as well as guided meditations. Individual CD descriptions are offered, and they may be ordered online. A downloadable workbook is also available.
http://www.mmworkshops.com/
Intended as a reference for meditation techniques, practices, and stress relief, particularly within the United Kingdom, the site discusses the benefits of meditation, various types of meditation, meditation equipment, health issues that can benefit from meditation, and articles on the subject of Perfect Place. Other articles include reader stories, and featured columns answering reader questions. Its most popular articles and categories are highlighted on its index page.
https://www.meditationexpert.co.uk/
Designed to provide information about meditation to beginners and others in an easy-to-understand format, the site begins at an absolute beginner's perspective on meditation, then transitions to intermediate and more advanced techniques, so that it offers something for anyone interested in the subject. Introductory topics, Yogic aids in meditation, various meditation techniques, and the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra are included, along with an informational blog.
https://www.meditationiseasy.com/
TMO offers meditation for key leaders, an Accredited Meditation Course (AMC) program, teaching meditation in impoverished regions, and a Certified Teacher (CMT) program, each of which is highlighted here. Meditation professionals and others are invited to participate in TMO's causes by volunteering, participating, contributing, or fundraising. Based in New York City, contacts and an online contact form are provided, and its board members are introduced.
https://meditationorganization.org/
Offering meditations that are initially based on the art of yoga of the mind, and, later, more advanced forms of authentic meditation found in the classic Soto Zen practices. All levels of Zen meditation are offered at the Meditation Sanctuaries in Australia, the first of which was established in Sydney eighteen years ago. The benefits of meditation, scheduled courses, dates, and teachers are featured, along with client testimonials, and links to various books on the subject.
http://www.meditationsanctuary.com/
MIU: Transcendental Meditation
TM is a form of silent mantra meditation developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, using a silently used sound known as a mantra, and is practiced for fifteen to twenty minutes per day. Taught by certified teachers, TM is a non-religious meditation used to promote awareness, stress relief, self-development, and higher states of consciousness. The Maharishi International University offers degree programs in various subjects, including transcendental meditation.
https://www.miu.edu/about-miu/transcendental-meditation-technique
Situated in Plymouth, Devon, South West England, Gemma offers a wide range of meditation techniques and some other services, including one-to-one meditation, Reiki sessions, group meditations, breathing therapy, Souls Purpose sessions, Cacao ceremonies, and dance lessons, each of which are highlighted here, with prices and other information. Her philosophy on meditation, contacts, a photo gallery, and a small online shopping area offering a modern meditation tee-shirt, are included.
http://www.modernmeditation.net/
NSR is a do-it-yourself technique for experiencing restful alertness. NSR is not a religion, a set of physical exercises, or a philosophy. It is designed to be a mental technique that is compatible with any faith or lifestyle. Like transcendental meditation, NSR uses the power of the mind to transcend into more abstract and quieter levels of thinking. Comparisons with TM are made, along with client testimonials, brochures, prices, and an order form.
https://www.nsrusa.org/
New York Insight Meditation Center
NYI is an urban center for the practice of mindful awareness, known as Insight or Vipassana meditation. Its programs include talks, weekly sittings and courses, as well as day-long and weekend retreats and workshops for the integration of meditation teachings into daily life. An overview of its services and teachings is set forth, and an introduction to its teachers, board, staff, and key volunteers is included. Client testimonials and announcements of upcoming events are posted.
https://www.nyimc.org/
Based in New Zealand, the site promotes the use of Vedic Meditation, an adaption of Transcendental Meditation (TM), a good diet, and physical exercise in the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular disease, angina, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke. Its aim is to familiarize health professionals and the public with the medical benefits of Vedic Meditation. Media information and contacts are included.
https://rxtm.co.nz/
Synchronicity Foundation for Holistic Lifestyle
Offering what it refers to as "High-Tech Meditation" and "The Holistic Lifestyle," a free 15-minute meditation soundtrack may be downloaded from the website. A description of its meditation technique and lifestyle program is presented and illustrated with brain profile diagrams. A 10-day trial is offered on its "Transcendence Program" and its "Recognitions Program" may be purchased online. Other resources include an informational blog, a calendar of events, and an online shopping page.
https://synchronicity.org/
Developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, TM is a form of mantra meditation designed to be practiced for 15-20 minutes every day while sitting with the eyes closed. The course is taught throughout the world by certified TM teachers in a 7-step course. It has been incorporated into selected schools, universities, corporations, and prison programs in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and India. The official US TM website includes a database of approved teachers and details about the technique.
https://www.tm.org/
The Wildmild Buddhist Meditation website is an educational resource that explains how to make use of meditation to make your life better. You can get ongoing support with your meditation practice through this website. Wildmind Meditation is a community-supported meditation initiative. Its supporters are given access to all of its past online meditation courses and any new courses developed through Wildmind, a monthly newsletter, and an online interactive sponsors' forum.
https://www.wildmind.org/
World Wide Online Meditation Center, The
The Center is a user-friendly online website, created to provide meditation instruction to people anywhere on the planet. If you are just learning to meditate, you'll find everything necessary to get started quickly and easily. If you are already practicing meditation, you may discover new methods to deepen your practice. Meditation tips are provided, and video meditation courses, guided audio meditations, personal narratives, and other resources are included.
http://www.meditationcenter.com/
