Meditation Tools

Many forms of meditation use a ‘tool’ to help to calm the wandering mind and stop the brain’s ‘chatter’.

Repetition of a mantra - a sound that you repeat silently – as in Primordial Sound Meditation, the style of meditation made famous and accessible by Deepak Chopra or Kirtan Kriya.

Viewing an image – the meditator looks at an image such as a mandala (a geometric design, usually circular, symbolizing the universe) a candle flame (as in pranayama meditation).

Viewing or observing your own breathing pattern (as in Zen meditation, Vipassana meditation, Indian Yoga meditation).

Visualization - actively thinking about a positive image or desired situation. There are many websites that offer beautiful images for visualization practice. This is a method I use when I have 5 minutes at my desk and I can feel tension or stress mounting. I’ve found this type of meditation acts like a quick purification or cleansing that sets you up for the next part or challenge of your day. 

Listening to peaceful music. Most meditation sites also sell accompanying music – not necessarily to meditate to but just to create a calm atmosphere at different times of the day.

Moving meditation such as Chi Gung or Tai Chi a form of Taoist meditation.

Other styles of meditation teach you to focus on nothing…emptiness. 

Or you may simply need a physical 'tool' so that you feel more comfortable such as a small stool or cushion that can be purchased from many online yoga or meditation stores such as Turning Life.