Meditation is often misunderstood. For many people, it brings to mind sitting in silence, trying to clear your mind completely, and doing it in a very specific, almost “perfect” way. This perception can make meditation feel restrictive or even intimidating, especially if your mind naturally feels busy or restless.
In reality, there are many different types of meditation and they don’t all look the same. Some involve stillness, while others focus on movement, visualisation or guided techniques. The idea that there is only one “right” way to meditate simply isn’t true, and not every method will work for everyone.
Rather than aiming to do meditation perfectly, it’s more helpful to approach it with curiosity. Exploring different types of meditation allows you to find an approach that fits your lifestyle, your mindset, and what you need in the moment.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is often described as switching off your thoughts, but that isn’t really what it’s about. The mind naturally thinks, and trying to completely silence it can often lead to frustration rather than calm. Instead, meditation is about developing awareness of your thoughts, learning to focus your attention, and becoming more present in the moment. Rather than pushing thoughts away, it encourages you to notice them without judgement and gently bring your attention back to a chosen point of focus, whether that’s your breath, your body, or your surroundings. Around 270 to 275 million people worldwide practise meditation regularly, reflecting the growing global focus on mental wellbeing.
The 10 Types of Meditation
Meditation doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Different techniques offer different ways to focus your mind, build awareness, and support your wellbeing, depending on what feels right for you. Below are ten common approaches, along with how they work and who they may be best suited for.
Mindfulness Meditation
One of the most well-known types of meditation, mindfulness meditation focuses on paying attention to the present moment. It involves observing your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgement, rather than trying to change them. This approach helps you build awareness and gently step back from overthinking, making it a great starting point for beginners and anyone looking to support their general wellbeing.
Guided Meditation
Among the more accessible types of meditation, guided meditation involves following a voice, whether through an app, video, or audio recording. A guide will lead your focus step-by-step, helping you stay present and engaged throughout the practice. This can be especially helpful for people who find silence uncomfortable or struggle to know where to focus their attention.
Breathing Meditation
Breathing meditation is one of the simplest yet most effective types of meditation, centred around focusing on your breath. It works by slowing down and observing your natural breathing pattern, helping to regulate your nervous system. This type of meditation is particularly useful for managing stress, anxiety, and moments of feeling overwhelmed.
Body Scan Meditation
Body scan is one of the more grounding types of meditation, where you bring awareness to different parts of your body. It typically involves slowly scanning from head to toe, noticing sensations, tension, or discomfort without judgement. This practice can help with relaxation, improving sleep, and reconnecting with your physical body.
Loving-Kindness Meditation
Loving-kindness is one of the more emotionally focused types of meditation, centred around compassion and kindness. It involves silently repeating positive phrases towards yourself and others, gradually expanding that sense of care outward. This practice can be particularly helpful for reducing self-criticism, improving relationships, and supporting emotional wellbeing.
Walking Meditation
Walking meditation is one of the more active types of meditation, replacing stillness with mindful movement. Instead of sitting, you focus on each step, your pace, and how your body moves through space. This approach is ideal for people who feel restless or find it difficult to engage with more traditional seated practices.
Visualisation Meditation
Visualisation is one of the more creative types of meditation, involving the use of mental imagery to guide relaxation. You might imagine a calming place, a safe environment, or a specific scenario that brings a sense of ease. This type of meditation works well for those who tend to overthink or naturally think in images.
Mantra Meditation
Mantra meditation is one of the more structured types of meditation, where you repeat a word, phrase, or sound to focus your mind. The repetition helps reduce distraction and creates a steady rhythm for your attention. This can be particularly useful if you struggle with racing thoughts or find your mind easily wandering.
Movement Meditation
Movement meditation is one of the more dynamic types of meditation, combining physical activity with awareness. This could include practices like yoga, stretching, or slow, intentional movement, all done with a focus on how your body feels. It’s a good option for people who prefer a more active approach to mindfulness.
Journaling as Meditation
Journaling can also be considered one of the more reflective types of meditation, where writing becomes a way to process your thoughts. Instead of filtering or overthinking, you simply write what comes up, allowing your mind to slow down and organise itself. This approach is particularly helpful for gaining clarity and supporting emotional processing.
How to Find What Works for You
Finding the right approach to meditation is often about trial and error. Instead of committing to one method straight away, it can be helpful to try a few different techniques and notice how each one makes you feel. Some may help you feel calmer, others more focused, and some might not resonate at all. Starting small, even just two to five minutes at a time, can make the process feel more manageable and help you build without consistency without pressure.
It’s also important to remember that there isn’t a single “best” way to meditate. With so many different types of meditation, what works well for one person may not work for another. The most effective approach is the one that fits into your routine and feels sustainable over time, because the real benefit comes from what you can stick with.