Yesterday I touched on the subject of meditation, specifically a meditation technique that involves focusing on and/or counting your breaths.  This technique is only one of literally hundreds of types or variations of meditation that people all over the world practice.  Most meditation techniques fall into two types: Concentrative meditation and Mindfulness meditation. 

Concentrative meditation involves focusing in on something specific or narrowing our field of vision, if you will.  The breathing meditation falls into this category.  Some other examples of meditations that fall into this type include focusing on a mantra (such as repeating the word "Ohm" or "Love" over and over) or focusing on our footsteps while we are walking.  You could also focus on one of your chakras for healing purposes, or focus on a flickering candle, if you are more visually inclined.

Mindfulness meditation, on the other hand, is the opposite of concentrative in that you open your mind to everything going on around you.  When a thought comes into your head, you simply acknowledge it and move on to the next thing that enters.

Whatever type of meditation you choose to practice (if you choose to, of course!), they all lead to increased concentration, greater clarity, stress reduction and relaxation. I've included a video that serves as an introduction to meditation (there are 4 more in the series if you find it interesting). Have a good weekend and I'll be back on Monday!