Meditation is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Just as self-care looks different for everyone, meditation can take many forms. Exploring different styles allows you to discover what best supports your needs, personality, and lifestyle.
Some meditation practices feel grounding and calming, while others feel energising or emotionally nourishing. You may also find that different styles support you at different stages of life. There is no need to commit to just one approach—meditation is flexible, adaptable, and meant to meet you where you are.
Below are some of the most common types of meditation and how they can support your self-care journey.
Guided Meditation
Guided meditation involves listening to a teacher or recording that leads you through the practice. This may include breath awareness, body relaxation, visualisation, or gentle reflection.
Guided meditations are especially helpful for beginners or during times of stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. Having a voice to follow can reduce mental chatter and provide a sense of safety and support.
Guided meditation is ideal when:
You feel distracted or restless
You’re new to meditation
You want structure and reassurance
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation focuses on present-moment awareness. You observe your breath, bodily sensations, thoughts, or emotions without judgment. Rather than trying to change your experience, you learn to notice it with curiosity and acceptance.
Over time, mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and increase overall self-awareness.
Mindfulness meditation is ideal when:
You want to feel more grounded
You struggle with overthinking
You want to build everyday awareness
Loving-Kindness Meditation
Loving-kindness meditation, also known as metta, involves intentionally cultivating feelings of kindness, compassion, and goodwill—toward yourself and others.
This practice is deeply supportive for emotional self-care, especially if you struggle with self-criticism or emotional pain. It gently softens the inner dialogue and fosters a sense of connection and warmth.
Loving-kindness meditation is ideal when:
You’re feeling emotionally raw or disconnected
You want to build self-compassion
You’re working with difficult emotions
Walking Meditation
Walking meditation brings mindfulness into movement. Instead of sitting still, you focus on the physical sensations of walking—the feeling of your feet on the ground, your breath, and the rhythm of your steps.
This practice is a wonderful option if sitting feels uncomfortable or if you want to integrate meditation into daily life.
Walking meditation is ideal when:
You feel restless or physically tense
You enjoy movement-based self-care
You want to practise mindfulness outdoors
Mantra Meditation
Mantra meditation involves repeating a word, phrase, or sound—either silently or aloud—to focus the mind. The repetition helps anchor attention and quiet mental noise.
Mantras can be traditional or personally meaningful, and the rhythmic nature of the practice can feel deeply calming.
Mantra meditation is ideal when:
Your mind feels busy or scattered
You prefer a clear focal point
You find repetition soothing
Visualisation Meditation
Visualisation meditation uses imagery to promote relaxation, healing, or emotional balance. You might imagine a peaceful place, a calming scene, or a protective light surrounding you.
This style can be especially nurturing and supportive during stressful or emotionally intense periods.
Visualisation meditation is ideal when:
You’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed
You connect strongly with imagery
You want a comforting, restorative practice
Focused Attention Meditation
Focused attention meditation involves concentrating on a single object, sound, or sensation—such as the breath, a candle flame, or ambient sound. Each time your attention wanders, you gently return it to your chosen focus.
This practice strengthens concentration and supports mental clarity.
Focused attention meditation is ideal when:
You want to improve focus
You feel mentally scattered
You enjoy simple, structured practices
Open Awareness Meditation
Open awareness meditation invites you to observe whatever arises in your awareness without attaching to any single object. Thoughts, emotions, and sensations are allowed to come and go naturally.
This practice encourages spaciousness, acceptance, and a deeper sense of presence.
Final Thoughts
There is no “best” type of meditation—only what feels supportive for you in this moment. You may enjoy experimenting with different styles and allowing your practice to evolve alongside your needs.
Meditation is a form of self-care that adapts with you. Trust yourself to choose what feels right.