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Dating all the way back to ancient times, meditation is a practice that teaches you how to connect your mind with your body to reach a state of calm and stillness in the present moment. From dedicated yogis to CEOs to celebrities, the practice has become a part of everyday life. Here, a brief guide to help you find the style that’s best for you.
#1. Kundalini Meditation
What it is: Kundalini is a meditation style that involves yoga poses in order to extend your energy from the base of your spine all the way to your mind. With both proper breath and specific movements, kundalini will teach you how to disengage and focus your mind. Switch your spin class with this yoga meditation a few days a week to relieve some stress.
Who should try it: Anyone with a jam-packed schedule and a million things going on at all times who needs a weekly reboot.
Where to go: Golden Bridge Yoga
#2. Qigong Meditation
What it is: A style rooted in martial arts and Chinese medicine, the purpose of the practice is to focus on both your breath and posture simultaneously in order to gain full bodily control, allowing the energy flow to increase all throughout your body. Take a break from counting your miles and putting your body through repetitive muscle stress every once in awhile and partake in qigong meditation to be in full sync with your body. The physical benefits that may come are an added bonus.
Who should try it: The workout junkie who hits the gym and tries every class for the endorphin rush as much as the perfect physique.
Where to go: NYC Qigong
#3. Vipassana Meditation (Mindfulness Meditation)
What it is: With Vipassana, the purpose is not to engage in the thoughts that come, but to be present in the moment by simply observing these thoughts. By doing so, it gives you the opportunity to think about why you’re thinking about them. The whole idea is to become aware of your thoughts.
Who should try it: The over-analyzer who has difficulty honing in on just one thought at a time.
Where to go: Dhamma Mahavana California Vipassana Center
#4. Loving-Kindness Meditation
What it is: The practice is done while sitting with your eyes closed and revolves around learning how to rid yourself of any self-doubt. After you cultivate personal unconditional love, you will be able to wish love to all those around you. This is a hard practice to perfect, but once you find the ability to truly love yourself, you’ll radiate positivity to others wherever you go.
Who should try it: Anyone in need of a self-love boost
Where to go: The Interdependence Project
#5. Concentration Meditation
What it is: The idea here is to focus on one thing—a specific word, mantra (think the commonly used “om,” universe’s most elemental sound), a candle flame or your breath. Throughout the practice, the goal is to be able to keep your concentration on this one thing alone and to bring your mind back every time it starts to wander. Eventually, after you free your mind from outside thoughts or distractions, you’ll be able to reach a state of pure, calm and carefree bliss.
Who should try it: The novice or meditation non-believer
Where to go: Transcendal Meditation
