Keep Calm and Meditate On

Meditation is more than just sitting cross-legged and muttering “omm.” There are actually several different ways to meditate. For starters, guided meditation focuses on guided imagery. You form mental images of places or situations where you feel relaxed, using as many senses as possible. This type of meditation is usually led by a teacher. Another option is mantra meditation, which consists of silently repeating a calming word, thought or phrase to prevent distracting thoughts. Mindfulness meditation is based on an increased awareness and acceptance of the present moment. During mindfulness meditation, you will simply observe your thoughts and emotions — letting them pass without judgement. Transcendental meditation is a simple, natural technique where you silently repeat a personal mantra. This allows your body to settle into a state of rest and relaxation, and allows the mind to achieve a state of inner peace.