THREE TYPES OF MEDITATION
Most techniques can be classified into three distinct categories:
Concentration, Reception and Reflection
Concentration
Concentration is the type of meditation that is initially the most useful for walker. You will learn to intensify and stabilize your attention using this type of technique.
Concentration is accomplished by focusing your attention on a single object or an activity and gently returning your mind to it whenever you notice that your attention has wondered. This method of mediation involves ATTENTION TO BREATHING, A REPETITION OF WORDS, A MOVEMENT FORM (SUCH AS MARTIAL ARTS) OR A MENTAL QUALITY, PATIENCE IN GETTING TO THROUGH A PROJECT)
Mental stability, awareness and single-minded focus are the primary qualities being developed.
Reception
We have experienced the second type of meditation, RECEPTION, when we have gaze into the sky at night, or Lake Merritt or some place that you really enjoy, or felt completely satisfied as we accomplish goals in life.
Reception allows you to give mindful, passive attention to whatever arises within your life of experience.
Receptive meditation allows you to effortlessly attend to APPRECIATION AND CELEBRATION. YOU CAN LEARN TO USE ALL FIVE SENSES TO FULLY EXPERIENCE YOUR ENVIRONMENT. YOU CAN DEVELOP A POWERFUL CAPACITY TO EXAMINE AND UNDERSTAND THE DEEP NATURE OF YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Reflective
In Reflective meditation, you can learn to engage in analysis or completion of a question, principle, idea or experience. In our day-to-day exercise, this type of meditation can provide a powerful tool for understanding.
Written by Lisa Felder
Feb 12, 1996