Meditate and Move On: A Lesson from My Mala
In 1996 while traveling in India I received a gift of a simple rosewood Mala from a man who I believe was a holy messenger. One of those sent by the divine when we are most lucky or most needing a nudge or reminder of something greater than our smaller, less cosmic concerns. I met Surendra in Haridwar near Rishikesh as I was walking through the marketplace. He was a professor of music and full of life wisdom. We had a wonderful time over those legendary cups of Indian chai discussing Vedic astrology, sacred music and other intriguing topics. After a rich afternoon of conversation I mentioned to Surendra that I was leaving for Rishikesh the next day by train and we said our goodbyes. I was waiting at the station the following day and Surendra magically appeared on the platform just before my train was due to arrive. He walked slowly up to me and handed me a very simple dark rosewood mala and said to me in a deep and sincere voice “Meditate.” Then he walked away.
So extraordinary life is. As I was writing this story about the meaning of malas in my journal I went to the kitchen to make a cup of tea and my treasured rosewood mala caught on the kitchen cabinet and broke.
They say when a mala breaks you are not supposed to fix it. You are supposed to gather its broken pieces and place the beads on your altar. It is time to move on and let them go because you have learned something, or made a breakthrough. New lessons are ready to come your way in this university of life. It’s time to connect with and choose a new mala.
There is a part of me that wants to fix this mala and ignore the wisdom of letting go. It is the third one this year that has broken on me. The first one was a mala that had an African Jade stone at the end. I was more attached to the beauty of this one than the sentiment or energy of it and so I let it go quickly. The second was a sandstone mala I had bought for my beloved husband as a gift, which I chose to wear one day as adornment. It was unthinking to wear someone else’s mala beads. This third one made me really quite sad. It was a special gift steeped in meaning and given to me with a specific message in a city regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus.
In Hindu mythology Haridwar is one of four sites where drops of Amrit – the elixir of immortality – accidentally spilled over while being carried in a pitcher by the celestial bird Garuda. The Kumbha Mela, a holy festival held every 12 years in Haridwar, attracts millions of pilgrims, devotees and tourists. These seekers congregate here to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges to wash away sins and attain Liberation.
I have been wearing those prayer beads on and off over the last 16 years stopping now and then to think about the profound gift of them and who they came from. Now the words “meditate” float in the ether around me. No beads imbued with a reminder of this practice that leads to immortality. The message seems more profound now especially as I have of late recommitted to deepen my practice. To meditate I do not need anything except for my desire to feel peace and communicate with the divine, with the source, with my own divinity. Surendra, thank you. Perhaps those difficult planets you mentioned that have been obstructing the course of discipline in my practice have also shifted and the timing is perfect for the creation of something new to come into being. I am sure somehow this was all destined and 16 years was the exact life span intended for this most treasured mala.
And I pass along to you a virtual mala with a message in honor of Surendra:
Meditate. Move on. Meditate.
About the Author
The 7 Most Well-Known and Practiced Types of Meditation
Meditation is an ancient practice that helps calm the mind, connect with the present, and cultivate a state of greater clarity and well-being. Over time, different cultures and traditions have developed various meditative styles, each with particular approaches and techniques.
In this article, we explore what meditation is, why there are so many types, and how to identify which one may be the most suitable according to each person’s needs.
Table of Contents
- What Is Meditation and Why Are There So Many Types?
- How to Know Which Type of Meditation Is Most Suitable
- The 7 Most Popular Types Of Meditation: Discover Their Characteristics
- Types Of Meditation Recommended For Beginners
- Can Different Types Of Meditation Be Combined?
- Tips To Start Your Meditation Practice Without Frustration
What Is Meditation and Why Are There So Many Types?
Meditation is a mental and emotional training technique that seeks to bring attention to the present moment, observing thoughts without judging them. Although many people associate it with emptying the mind, it actually involves developing greater awareness of what is happening internally. It is a tool that can adapt to different goals: from reducing stress to cultivating compassion, improving focus, or exploring spiritual dimensions.
Throughout history, different traditions have developed their own forms of meditation, according to their worldviews and needs. Some focus on breathing or on the repetition of sounds (mantras), while others propose a deep observation of the body or the mind. There are also more contemporary versions, such as guided meditation, which combine traditional techniques with accessible language for those who are just beginning.
That is why there is no single way to meditate or a “correct” form. There are so many variations because each person is different and resonates with different practices. The richness of meditation lies in its diversity: it allows everyone to find a path of connection and calm, in harmony with their life moment and personal style.
How to Know Which Type of Meditation Is Most Suitable
Choosing a type of meditation should not create pressure or confusion, but rather awaken curiosity and openness. The best way to discover which one suits you best is to explore different practices, notice how each one feels, and continue with the one that feels most natural. It is not about following a technique out of obligation, but about finding the one that authentically supports your personal process.
It is also important to consider the needs of the moment. Those who are looking to calm anxiety may benefit from guided practices or those centered on breathing. On the other hand, if the goal is to deepen self-knowledge or move through a stage of introspection, a technique such as zazen or vipassana may be more useful. Connecting with what is needed here and now allows meditation to become a meaningful and transformative space.
On Gaia, there is abundant content created especially to accompany meditation practice, whether you are just beginning or looking to deepen your inner path. One of them is Sound of Creation, a series of sound meditations that combine harmonic frequencies and binaural rhythms to facilitate deep relaxation and connection with your inner energy.
The 7 Most Popular Types Of Meditation: Discover Their Characteristics
Each type of meditation has a particular intention and methodology. Some focus on breathing, others on the use of mantras, and others invite practitioners to observe with mindful attention what is happening in the present. Knowing the basic characteristics of each style can help you choose the most appropriate one according to your personal moment or level of experience.
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Meditation Mindfulness Or Attention To The Present Moment
It is one of the most widespread forms today. It consists of observing what happens in the present moment—thoughts, sensations, and emotions—without judging or trying to change anything. It promotes mental calm and greater awareness of the here and now.
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Transcendental Meditation
It is based on the silent repetition of a personal mantra, assigned by a certified instructor. This practice seeks to bring the mind to a deep state of rest beyond thought and is known for its simple yet highly effective structure.
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Guided Meditation
Uses the voice of a person—live or recorded—to accompany the meditative process. It often includes visualizations, breathing exercises, or positive affirmations, making it an excellent option for those who are just starting out.
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Movement Meditation
It is a practice that combines mindfulness with physical movement, such as mindful walking, gentle yoga, or qi gong. It helps connect mind and body while cultivating presence in every gesture and breath.
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Vipassana Meditation
It is a technique of Buddhist origin based on the deep observation of bodily sensations and mental processes. It aims to develop equanimity and a direct understanding of the impermanence of everything that arises and disappears in consciousness.
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Zen Meditation (Zazen)
Characteristic of Japanese Buddhism, it is practiced sitting in silence, with the back straight and attention placed on the breath or on mental emptiness. It is a form of meditation that is both rigorous and simple, cultivating presence and detachment.
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Metta Or Loving-Kindness Meditation
Its objective is to generate feelings of compassion, kindness, and connection toward oneself and toward others. Phrases expressing good wishes are repeated, beginning with oneself and expanding toward other people, even those who may be difficult.
Types Of Meditation Recommended For Beginners
For those who are beginning in the world of meditation, the ideal approach is to start with practices that are accessible, guided, and with a clear structure. Guided meditation is often an excellent option, as it allows you to follow step-by-step instructions, which helps maintain focus and avoid the frustration of not knowing “if you are doing it correctly.”
Another recommended technique is mindfulness or present-moment awareness. This practice can be easily incorporated into everyday life by observing the breath, the body, or thoughts, without needing any previous experience. Its flexibility makes it a friendly and effective gateway for developing habits of conscious attention.
It can also be helpful to begin with meditations centered on breathing or the body, such as body scans. These practices help establish contact with the present moment and relax the nervous system without requiring major mental effort. The most important thing at the beginning is to create a positive experience that motivates you to continue exploring.
Can Different Types Of Meditation Be Combined?
Yes, combining different styles of meditation is possible and, in many cases, recommended. Over time, personal needs may change, and using different techniques makes it possible to adapt more flexibly to each stage of the inner process. What matters most is maintaining a consistent practice without losing sight of the purpose of cultivating presence and awareness.
Some people, for example, combine guided meditation at night with mindfulness during the day, or practice metta to work with specific emotions alongside silent meditation to deepen observation. There is no single formula: the right combination is the one that supports each person’s path with coherence and respect.
Tips To Start Your Meditation Practice Without Frustration
Starting to meditate can seem challenging, especially if there are unrealistic expectations or a rigid idea of how the experience should be. Incorporating meditation as a gentle and progressive habit is key to sustaining it over time without frustration or pressure.
- Start with a few minutes: It is not necessary to begin with long sessions. Even five minutes a day can make a difference if practiced consistently.
- Choose a quiet environment: Looking for a place without interruptions makes concentration easier. It does not have to be perfect, just functional and comfortable.
- Observe without judging: The mind will wander, and that is part of the process. Instead of becoming frustrated, the idea is to notice that movement and gently return to the practice.
- Try different styles: Not all techniques work the same for everyone. Exploring different options helps you find the one that best suits each moment.
- Be patient with the process: The benefits of meditation are built over time. Trusting the practice, even if results are not immediate, is part of the journey.
