There are hundreds of techniques, schools, and styles of meditation. The common inner mechanism underlying the various techniques consists of two simultaneous mental activities: Concentration and Mindfulness.

The many techniques of meditation are basically different objects of focus that have been developed over the centuries. The reason there are so many is that every person learns differently. Some people are more visual, while others are more sound or body oriented.

At MedWorks, we teach the following techniques – representing most major types of meditation – so that participants will find at least one that they will want to do on an ongoing basis.

· Breath Focus – Focusing your attention on the simple, moment-to-moment experience of your own breath coming in and out of your body. This is the most fundamental of all meditation techniques, and has many variations.

· Body Scan and Relaxation – Methodically feeling and then relaxing each part of your body in sequence. This comes from yoga and is used in many stress-reduction, healing, and sports clinics.

· Energy Center Focus – Focusing your attention on the inner energy that flows in your body. These are ancient and powerful techniques that use the same energy (known as Chi or Ki) found in Oriental practices such as acupuncture and the martial arts.

· Eyes Open/Gazing – Breath focus and other techniques can be done with the eyes open, which some people find preferable to the more traditional “eyes closed” meditation (which causes some people to fall asleep). Gazing involves using a physical object of your choice as an object of meditative focus.

· Visualization Practice – This technique entails using your imagination to create an image or picture to focus on in your mind, i.e., your favorite place in nature or a pleasant memory.

· Mantra – This is a word, syllable, or phrase that you repeat over and over either verbally or silently. It can be a sound of your own creation, or there are hundreds of traditional ones to choose from.

· Music as a Meditation – Following the sound of a bell or soothing music is an effective relaxation and focus technique.

· Yoga Stretch – The object of focus in all yoga movements is the feeling of the movement and position of your own body. Each class starts with an optional stretch for those interested and able.

· T’ai Chi Beginning Movements – These can be performed by anyone, and can be both energizing and relaxing. They may inspire some students to go on to learn the entire form.

· Walking Meditation – Focusing one’s mind on the simple act of walking is an ancient technique that can work for people who have a hard time sitting still for any length of time.

· Insight Meditation – This involves practicing mindfulness on the random stream of inner thoughts, feelings, and sensations (including sounds) as they flow by.

· Affirmations – Focusing on positive thoughts of a practical nature that you’d like to see manifest in the world, i.e., “I’m going to get that promotion,” or “I can lose weight.” This is a good practice to accompany all daily meditation sessions.

In addition to the various techniques that MedWorks teaches, all programs include:

· Practical ways to integrate meditation’s benefits into your daily life.
· Tips for ongoing meditation success.
· Questions, answers, and review of techniques and daily practice.