Meditation practice as a way «to back home»

In the collective consciousness, meditation may still seem esoteric and overrated, but a closer look reveals that it is not only practiced by many individuals but also by some large corporations.

Steve Jobs was one of the first adopters of meditation in Silicon Valley, directly connecting his innovative technologies with meditation's benefits. At Apple, he granted employees the right to practice for half an hour during working hours, which remains unbreakable after his death. Google developed a seven-week course called "Search Inside Yourself" and built special rooms for practice. This course is considered as much an achievement for Google as its innovative technology.

Many scientific studies on the impact of meditation practices on the human body are carried out annually worldwide, with about a thousand conducted each year. American neuroscientist Sarah Lazar discovered that the thickness of the cerebral cortex of ordinary city residents who practiced an hour a day of secular meditation was the same as that of non-practicing members of the control group who were 20 years younger. In other words, meditation can slow the brain's aging process.

Within closed monotheistic religions, mindfulness practitioners recognize meditation as a good way to maintain mental health. This is partly why meditation practices are firmly entrenched in the modern world, being used in conjunction with psychotherapy, including for the prevention of alcohol abuse or as a tool to combat burnout.

The word "meditation" comes from the Latin "meditari," which means "to think," "to develop ideas," and "to contemplate mentally."

Meditation allows a person to immerse themselves in their thoughts and be distracted from external circumstances. According to Buddhist teachings, regular meditation practices can help a person move from deep suffering to a state of joy, peace, and serenity. The ultimate goal of meditation is to merge completely with the outside world while separating oneself from the routine and everyday worries. Let's explore some of the main meditation techniques.

Directional Meditation

This type of technique is suitable for all beginners who want to master meditation. In this case, you can study at home on your own using special applications (Headspace; Stop, Breathe & Think; Relax Meditation: Guided Mind) or trainings on YouTube. Usually such applications and video tutorials are simple and understandable, and all that is required from the user is discipline and motivation.

Mindfulness Meditation

The second method of meditation is an adapted version of traditional Buddhist practices, and it is closest to Vipassana and Vietnamese Zen Buddhism. The essence of the technique is to focus on the present moment, regardless of posture and location. 

The method is suitable for those who are not looking for spiritual aspects in meditation, but aims to better understand themselves, learn to analyze their thoughts and behavioral patterns. This practice does not require auxiliary resources or a coach, it is important to be able to disconnect in the moment, while you can practice anywhere - in the subway, at the workplace or in the park.

Breathing practices

Despite the fact that breathing occurs unconsciously and is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, a person is able to regulate it, changing the frequency and depth of the process. This technique is suitable for lovers of silence who are distracted and annoyed by extraneous sounds. 

A few minutes of deep, measured breathing will help you calm down and concentrate. At the same time, observing your own breathing is also a meditative process, thanks to which the reaction to events that occur can become less impulsive and more conscious.

Spiritual practice (Retreat)

The participants of which take a vow of silence for 10 days, refuse to communicate with the outside world and remain alone with themselves, is becoming more and more popular in Russia. For those who want to try this meditation technique, there are specialized centers, where life is organized according to a certain schedule. The only activity practiced in such a center is meditation, which takes 10-15 hours a day. At the same time, it is forbidden to use any gadgets, read, talk and look other people in the eyes during the entire duration of vipassana. This technique is suitable for the brave adventurer who is ready to dive into himself and radically change his schedule and habits.

For those who want to try this meditation technique, there are specialized centers, where life is organized according to a certain schedule. The only activity practiced in such a center is meditation, which takes 10-15 hours a day. At the same time, it is forbidden to use any gadgets, read, talk and look other people in the eyes during the entire duration of vipassana. This technique is suitable for the brave adventurer who is ready to dive into himself and radically change his schedule and habits.

Transcendental Meditation

Is a popular type of meditation. This practice has been the subject of numerous studies in the scientific community.

Yoga meditation. In the minds of many people, yoga and meditation are inextricably linked, and this is not without reason: yoga has many meditative techniques and directions, for example, chakra meditations, trataka meditation, kundalini, tantric practices. This method is suitable for those who like the format of group lessons with an experienced teacher, as well as those who are physically tired of everyday worries and want to make a choice in favor of more static, sparing and effective practices.

It is more customizable than mantra meditation, using a mantra or series of words that are specific to each practitioner.

This practice is for those who like structure and are serious about maintaining a meditation practice.

Whether you’re looking to reduce stress or find spiritual enlightenment, find stillness, or flow through movement, there’s a meditation practice for you.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try different types. It often takes a little trial and error until you find the one that fits.