Struggling with Meditation? Try a New Technique

Despite its well-researched health benefits, many people give up on meditation because they’re having trouble focusing. However, according to a recent study, it’s all about finding the style that works for you. In many cases, people who are new to meditation use a technique based on popularity, and then give up when it doesn’t work for them.

Four meditation techniques
The researchers chose and studied four meditation techniques to see if the 246 study participants (who were all new to meditation) preferred a specific one:

• Mantra (words or phrases that are chanted)
• Vipassana (mindfulness)
• Zen (a type unique to Buddhism)
• Qigong (visualization)

Mantra and vipassana were the most popular of the four, but are very different in technique. Additionally, some of the less common styles were favoured by certain beginners.

The results of the study show that there is no one style that was favoured by beginner meditators. Individual preference varies widely and it may just be the key to sticking to your meditation practice. The verdict? If at first you don’t succeed, try another technique.  

The researchers add that more research is needed to see if there is a way to predict what style would work for a specific person.

Want to boost your meditation practice?

• Eat mindfully
• Use essential oils
• Pick up some meditation-themed reading
• Incorporate meditation in your yoga practice