For golfers who are only just setting out on the path of using meditation and mindfulness to improve their game, it can be quite a surprise to learn that there are different types of meditation. After all, many folks still have the mistaken idea that practice is nothing more than sitting cross-legged and chanting ‘Om’.
There is much more to it, of course. Considering that various cultures and philosophical or spiritual traditions developed meditative practices of their own, there is a surprising amount of variation out there. The trick is to find what works for you, and then to stick with it for as long as is necessary.
1. Chanting Meditation
Practiced by religious groups in the east and in the west, chanting meditation includes the recitation of mantras, prayers, or scripture. In eastern traditions, the reciting the mantra is a way of calming the mind, while in the west, chanting is a means of encouraging contemplation.
This type of meditation may also be combined with pranayama or breath control, which can also help bring mind and body into a place of calmness and stillness. Those qualities can also come in very handy when enjoying a game of online Roulette Australia.
2. Movement Meditation
Movement meditation moves away from the image of the meditator sitting or standing in one place. Instead, it focuses on motion – specifically that of the body. A fine example of this in the western world is that of walking labyrinths such as the one found in the Chartres cathedral. In the east, movement meditation is often practised as part of yoga or tai chi.
Of course, this type of meditation does not need to be limited to those rather specialised activities. It also can be practised while washing dishes, taking the dog for a walk, and even playing a game of golf.
3. Focused Meditation
Focused meditation demands that we focus on one thing, and on one thing only. It is a powerful meditative technique for golfers who want to improve their concentration and focus.
It also is an especially helpful technique in a world gone mad with multi-tasking. It can be easy to forget that some activities and tasks are worthy of our undivided attention. An easy way to start practising focused meditation is to do it with a cup of tea.
While drinking your tea, focus on it, and nothing else. Forget about golf, the TV, your computer, your mobile device, your parents, spouse, and children, and your pets. Instead, focus on the tea. Feel the cup. Feel the warmth. Pay attention to the taste. Take note of the aroma.
There will come moments when your mind starts to wander. When this happens, consciously bring your focus back to the tea.
4. Spiritual Meditation
Practised by Jews, Christians, Hindus, Taoists, Buddhists, and many others, spiritual meditation takes many forms, depending on the particular religious tradition. The goal usually is the deepening of one’s personal sense of connection to the meditator’s concept of divinity or the higher self, or to focus on the development of positive qualities.
