Meditation is a powerful tool that can help mystics connect with their inner wisdom and have a direct experience with the divine. There are many different types of meditation, but three of the most available include:

Vipassana meditation 

Vipassana is a form of meditation that focuses on observing the breath and the body. This helps develop greater awareness of your own thoughts and feelings, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the nature of reality.

To practice Vipassana meditation, you can sit in a comfortable position and focus on your breath. As you breathe in, say to yourself “I am breathing in.” As you breathe out, say to yourself “I am breathing out.” You can also focus on your body, noticing any sensations you feel, such as the weight of your body on the chair or the feeling of your breath on your skin.

When your mind wanders, which it will, gently bring it back to your breath or your body. There is no need to judge yourself for getting distracted. Just keep bringing your attention back to your breath or your body.

As you continue to practice Vipassana meditation, you will start to notice the impermanence of all things. You will see that your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations are constantly changing. This can be a liberating experience, as it can help you to let go of attachments and expectations.

Here are some of the key principles of Vipassana meditation:

• Non-judgment: Not judging your thoughts, feelings, or sensations as good or bad. When you judge your experiences, you create suffering for yourself. When you practice non-judgment, you are able to accept your experiences as they are, without resistance.
• Acceptance: Accepting things as they are, without trying to change them. When you accept things as they are, you are able to let go of attachments and expectations. This can help you to reduce stress and anxiety and to live more effectively.
• Present moment awareness: Paying attention to the present moment without judgment. When you are present, you are not caught up in the past or the future. You are simply experiencing the present moment as it is. This can help you to reduce stress and anxiety and to enjoy life more fully.

Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a form of meditation that teaches you to focus your attention on the present moment without judgment. It is a way of training your mind to be more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without getting caught up in them.

To practice mindfulness meditation, you can sit in a comfortable position and focus on your breath. As you breathe in, say to yourself “I am breathing in.” As you breathe out, say to yourself “I am breathing out.” You can also focus on your body, noticing any sensations you feel, such as the weight of your body on the chair or the feeling of your breath on your skin.

When your mind wanders, which it will, gently bring it back to the present moment. There is no need to judge yourself for getting distracted. Just keep bringing your attention back to your breath or your body.

Mindfulness meditation can be practiced for any length of time, but it is helpful to start with short sessions of 5 or 10 minutes. As you become more familiar with the practice, you can gradually increase the length of your sessions.

Here are some core concepts of mindfulness:

1. Present-focused awareness: Paying attention to the present moment without judgment. You are aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, but you do not get caught up in them.
2. An accepting or open attitude: Accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment. You do not try to change your thoughts or feelings. You simply observe them.
3. Compassion for self and others: This means having a kind and understanding attitude towards yourself and others. You are able to see yourself and others with compassion.
4. The energy of mindfulness: The energy that arises when you are mindful. It is a sense of peace, calm, and clarity. You are able to tap into this energy and use it in your life.

Centering prayer

Centering prayer is a form of contemplative prayer that shows you how to center your awareness on the presence of the divine. To do this, one chooses a sacred word, such as “peace” or “love,” and repeats it silently to yourself as you sit quietly in a comfortable position. When your mind wanders, simply bring it back to the sacred word.

To practice centering prayer here are the basic steps:

1. Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
2. Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight.
3. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath.
4. Choose a sacred word, such as “peace” or “love.”
5. Repeat the sacred word silently to yourself as you breathe in and out.
6. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the sacred word.
7. Continue for 20-30 minutes.

Some of the key principles of centering prayer are:

• Receptive silence: Allowing yourself to be open to the presence of God without trying to control or direct the experience.
• Simple awareness: Being aware of your sacred word and your breath without judgment.
• Gently returning: Gently returning your attention to your sacred word whenever your mind wanders.
• Patience and perseverance: Being patient with yourself and your practice, and persevering even when it is difficult.

Be Patient

Meditation is a powerful technology that’s been around for thousands of years and has helped mystics of differing traditions connect with their inner wisdom and experience a deeper connection with the divine. If you are interested in cultivating this experience, I encourage you to give it a try. There are many types of meditation, find one that works for you. And most importantly, be patient. It takes time and persistence to develop a meditation practice, but the benefits are well worth it.