Looking for unconventional meditation methods? We’ve got five weird meditation practices that few people know about!
Most people think of meditation as sitting quietly with their eyes closed, but did you know there are alternative meditation techniques that are as or more effective? These unusual meditation practices improve your mind, body, and soul, from sound bath meditation to chakra meditation.
You may have meditated for years but want to try something new. Maybe you’re a novice who wants to go beyond standard meditation. These methods are ideal for anyone wishing to vary their meditation practice.
I was stuck in my meditation routine like you until I found these unusual approaches. I’m eager to share these.
We’ll explain trataka, tonglen, chakra, sound bath, and tantric meditation in this article. You’ll discover their key qualities, strategies, and advantages. We’ll also add relevant research to support each strategy and bonus tips to get started if you want to!
Are you open to a new experience? These five unusual meditation practices may help you improve your practice. If you’re ready to find out more, let’s get started!
Trataka Meditation
Trataka meditation includes looking at a candle flame or image for a long time without blinking. People unfamiliar with this method may definitely find it strange – yet it works!
Trataka meditation has been performed for thousands of years in Indian yoga and meditation traditions. The method entails sitting comfortably in front of the item and staring at it without blinking until tears emerge. Following that, the eyes are closed, and the item is imagined in the mind’s eye for a few seconds before opening again to repeat the procedure.
Trataka meditation may be done at home or yoga and meditation institutes worldwide. It boosts attention, focus, and eye health.
In addition, this type of meditation reduces anxiety, tension, and eye strain. In a 2018 International Journal of Yoga research, trataka meditation reduced stress and improved attention and memory in university students.
Trataka meditation may also boost self-awareness and inner tranquility. It’s easy to include in everyday living and may help older folks preserve cognitive function and decrease stress.
Although trataka meditation may seem weird, it is a strong and effective method for mental concentration, stress and anxiety reduction, and general well-being.
Tonglen Meditation
Tonglen meditation includes breathing in the suffering of others and exhaling compassion and healing energy. Because of its rarity in Western society, this may be hard to understand.
Tonglen meditation is a potent Tibetan Buddhist practice despite its weirdness. Focusing on others’ sorrow and breathing it in while envisioning it becoming energy or light is the approach. You then send compassion and healing energy to your target.
Tonglen meditation is usually done at Buddhist centers and retreats, although you may perform it at home. It promotes empathy, compassion, and altruism.
Tonglen meditation reduces sadness, anxiety, and loneliness and boosts well-being, according to research. Tonglen meditation increased empathy and compassion in older persons in a 2018 Journal of Happiness Research study. Tonglen meditation also boosts self-awareness and calmness. It promotes social interaction and global love.
However unusual at first, this meditation style is a powerful technique for fostering compassion, lowering stress and anxiety, and boosting well-being. It may help elderly persons develop empathy and connection.
Chakra Meditation
Chakra meditation includes harmonizing the seven energy centers along the spine, which may sound weird to mainstream people. Non-Eastern spiritualists may find chakras and energy centers esoteric.
Hindus and Buddhists have practiced chakra meditation for ages, despite its oddity. Starting at the base of the spine, the practice entails picturing and affirming the seven chakras.
Chakra meditation may be done at home or yoga and meditation studios. It promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
According to research, Chakra meditation reduces stress, boosts immunity, and improves well-being. Chakra meditation reduced anxiety in breast cancer survivors in a 2017 Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine research. Furthermore, this meditation practice may also boost self-awareness and harmony. It promotes self-awareness, spiritual development, and body-energy connection.
Anodea Judith famously said, “The universal life energy experiences itself via the individual form in each of us. Chakras reveal our multidimensionality and ability to transcend time and place.”
Sound Bath Meditation
Sound bath meditation uses gongs, singing bowls, and chimes to create a contemplative and therapeutic atmosphere, which may appear weird to mainstream people. Sound for healing and relaxation may be new to non-alternative healers.
Sound bath meditation has been practiced for ages, despite its oddity. Whether lying down or sitting comfortably, the instruments’ tones and vibrations create a contemplative and therapeutic ambiance.
Worldwide, yoga studios, meditation centers, and holistic health institutes practice sound bath meditation. It calms, reduces tension, and brings inner tranquility.
According to research, sound bath meditation reduces stress, improves sleep, and boosts well-being. Sound bath meditation reduced anxiety and sadness in adults in a 2016 Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine research. This type of meditation may also boost self-awareness and inner equilibrium. It helps us relax, connect with our senses, and be in the moment.
Rumi famously said, “The quieter you get, the more you can hear.” Sound bath meditation lets us listen to the noises and vibrations around us and relax and heal.
Tantric Meditation
Tantric meditation, which involves sexual rituals and physical motions, and breathing, may appear weird to some mainstream people. Tantric meditation is more than simply sexual activities. It’s about connecting with the divine and harnessing the power of the cosmos. Breathwork, visualization, mantra repetition, and movement are all part of this.
Tantric meditation is usually done in tantric communities or tantric yoga studios. The technique reduces tension and anxiety and increases closeness and relaxation.
One 2019 Journal of Psychiatric Research research indicated that a six-week tantric meditation course significantly reduced anxiety and depression symptoms.
Beginners should approach tantric meditation with an open mind and a readiness to experiment. Three starting tips:
- A trained tantric meditation instructor is essential.
- Start slowly: Tantric meditation is physically and intellectually demanding. Start carefully and increase your practice. Avoid burnout and practice safely and sustainably with this.
- Breathwork: Tantric meditation relies on breathwork to relax and alleviate tension. Start with your breath and add more complex breathing methods.
Tantric meditation may help you relax, decrease tension and anxiety, and feel more connected and intimate. It may benefit all ages and backgrounds with the correct instruction.
Your Takeaway
If you made it this far, then congrats! Meditation is different for everybody, so you should discover the methods that work for you. This practice may reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase consciousness regardless of your choice. As we explained, even the strangest meditation techniques have some perks – trust me!
Of course, I have to admit that these methods aren’t everybody’s cup of tea. However, getting to know a bit about each technique might inspire you to try something new for yourself!
Did you practice any of the meditation techniques listed above? If so, make sure to leave a comment below and tell us all about your experience. Let’s thrive together for a better, happier tomorrow!
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