I believe that there is more than one reason to meditate and therefore more than one technique to achieve the end goals that you are looking for.
It’s fine to use a theme for your meditation, like selflove, acceptance, compassion. This may help to feel each meditation different.
I’m not sure how to answer this question. Meditation is a state of mind, it could be of anything. It’s the silence & self awareness that seem to be the only constant.
I believe both approaches are acceptable. However, I find that focusing on your breathing and just being aware of the thoughts that come into your mind works better for me and most beginners. Feel free to experiment, though, and find the approach that fits you best!
There are several ways of meditating. I think it is best to just be mindful early on. Practising observing your thoughts without being attached to them and following them down the rabbit hole. This is a pretty crucial skill early on. When thoughts or feelings arise, you can merely note that they are there, without dwelling on them. However, there are methods of meditation where you put yourself in a relaxed resting mind, and then 'drop' a question or thought into your mind and notice which feelings arise. Don’t judge yourself or question those feelings, just allow them to happen and note them. Afterwards you may reflect and learn something about how you feel. I hope this helps! The real key is to be consistent. This is definitely a skill, and it takes time to learn. Stick with it!
Either one is fine! I usually just try to be mindful, but focusing on a single thing is good in some situations as well.
Personally, I just go with the flow and do whichever of the two that I need or feel like doing on a given day. I don’t believe there’s a right or wrong way to go about it. Just focus on whatever is going to make you feel better that day.
Mix it up! You can try something different every day. The important thing is to do at least one meditation activity every day. Find what works for you. Experiment. That’s what life is all about, just the universe experimenting itself.
It really depends on your needs. Sometimes just focusing on being is all that’s needed. Other times if our minds are over active for example it can be beneficial to your practice to give the mind a task. Focus on a word and the singularity of that word in the mind or listen to a guided meditation. ♡
Meditation is in part the act of paying close attention to something. The object of attention could be many things. It could be the breath, a word, an image, a candle flame, sensations in the body. Observing thoughts, can be done during meditation, but they are not good objects of attention for a practice. This is because the untrained mind can easily become lost in thought and forget it is meditatation at all. A better approach would be to choose an object of attention – like the breath – try and observe it closely and continously. Can you observe it going in and out of your nostrils? Keep your attention fixed on that area around the nose. How does it feel when it goes out of the nostrils, and then comes back in? Can you feel one side more than the other? Does it move at the same speed or stop? Be like a scientist observing everything objectively. When your attention wanders and you notice you have been lost in thought, gently bring your attention back to the breath without feeling frustrated or defeated. Start again. See if you can extend the periods you are aware of breath and if thoughts come just let them play in the background of your mind like a TV or radio. As your attention gets stronger, they will weaken. Remember it takes time to master, but any time spent in this state of focused attention will be progress. Best of luck.
Answers reflect the personal experiences of Fabulous community members. They are not medical or professional advice — for guidance about your health, talk to a qualified professional.