Different Types of Meditation: How to Find the Practice That Actually Works for You

Meditation isn’t one single practice. There are many different types of meditation, each supporting the mind, body, and nervous system in different ways. From breath awareness and body scan meditation to walking meditation, mantra, and guided practices, understanding your options can help you find a meditation style that actually works for you.

Meditating alone while watching the sunset.

Written by Coralie Bengoechea | 29 December 2025

When people say they “can’t meditate”, what they usually mean is: the first way they tried didn’t work for them.

Meditation has always come in many forms, even if we tend to talk about it as one thing.

Meditation a broad family of practices that all point toward the same skill: learning how to be present with what’s happening, without immediately reacting or escaping.

Some ways are quiet. Some are active. Some are structured. Some are very simple.

If one doorway doesn’t suit you, it doesn’t mean meditation isn’t for you. It just means you haven’t found your door yet.

Breath-Based Meditation

Practising breath awareness is one of the most simple yet powerful meditations.

This is often the starting point.

You bring attention to the breath — where you feel it most clearly: the nose, the chest, or the belly. You’re not trying to slow it down or control it. You’re just noticing.

When your mind wanders (and it will), you notice that too, and gently return to the breath.

This practice is less about focus and more about returning. Over and over again.

It’s especially useful for anxiety, overthinking, and nervous system regulation.

Body Awareness or Body Scan

Body scan meditation can be done lying down, sitting up or even standing.

Here, attention moves through the body rather than staying in one place.

You might start at the feet and slowly move upward, or begin at the head and work down, noticing sensations as they are. Tightness, warmth, heaviness, numbness — all of it is welcome. Nothing needs to change.

This type of meditation helps people who live mostly in their head reconnect with physical sensation. It’s grounding, stabilising, and often surprisingly emotional.

Here is a guided body scan meditation: https://youtu.be/SlclJ24FyKc?si=QGrwI4q-xQ5rRCkg

Loving-Kindness (Metta) Meditation

Practising metta meditation.

Not all meditation is neutral observation.

In loving-kindness practice, you intentionally cultivate goodwill — toward yourself first, and then outward. This often involves repeating phrases like “may I be safe” or “may I be at ease”.

It can feel awkward at first. That is normal.

Over time, it softens self-criticism and reduces emotional armour. It’s especially helpful if meditation feels dry, cold, or overly mental.

Mantra or Repetition-Based Meditation

Using prayer beads can help count when chanting.

Some people find silence unsettling. For them, repetition helps.

In mantra meditation, a word, phrase, or sound is repeated quietly or aloud. When the mind wanders, the repetition becomes an anchor to return to.

The rhythm itself is regulating. It gives the mind something steady to rest on.

This approach works well for busy minds that need a bit more structure.

Guided Meditation

You can listen to guided meditation anywhere you are.

Guided meditation involves listening to someone lead the practice.

Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t a “lesser” form of meditation. For many people, it’s the most accessible.

A voice provides orientation when attention drifts. It can be especially supportive during periods of stress, grief, or exhaustion.

The key is presence, not silence.

Walking or Movement-Based Meditation

Walking meditation can be done indoors and outdoors.

Meditation doesn’t require sitting still.

In walking meditation, attention is placed on movement: the sensation of the feet touching the ground, the shift of weight, the rhythm of steps.

This can be particularly helpful for people who feel restless, trapped, or agitated when sitting. It also bridges the gap between formal meditation and everyday life.

Here is a guided meditation for walking in nature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvkq4vzHGdU

Open Awareness Meditation

Open awareness allows space between you and your thoughts.

Instead of focusing on one thing, you allow awareness to be open.

Thoughts, sounds, sensations, and emotions come and go. You notice them without grabbing hold or pushing away.

This practice builds a sense of spaciousness and non-reactivity. It’s often introduced after some familiarity with more focused techniques, but it can be explored gently at any stage.

There’s No Correct Choice

Practice whatever type of meditation feels right for you.

Some days you need structure. Some days you need movement. Some days you need softness. Some days you need nothing more than a single breath.

Meditation isn’t about forcing yourself into a method. It’s about choosing a way of paying attention that helps you meet yourself honestly. If awareness is present, the practice is happening.

Start Where You Are

Meditation can be practised wherever you like.

You don’t need long sessions or perfect conditions.

One minute. One breath. One pause. That is enough to begin.

Meditation isn’t a performance. It’s a relationship.

And like any relationship, it deepens with time.

Want to explore further?

• Relax with our guided meditations on our Akashic Tree YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AkashicTree

• Read our other articles about health, wellness and psychology: https://www.akashictree.com/blog

• Join one of our meditation courses or a retreat: https://www.akashictree.com/all-events

• Book a private healing session with us: https://www.akashictree.com/services

• Get in touch with us at info@akashictree.com