The Villages - April 2020 - 29

TYPES OF
MEDITATION
"Generally, people overextend themselves when they
come to The Villages," Kline said. "There's so much to
do. Retirement is really about finding out who you are."
It's a common topic among members of the Zen
Meditation and Discussion club, of which Kline is
a teacher. He says the group is like-minded but also
diverse and with different goals.
"Many have a spiritual background - Baptist,
Catholic, Jewish. We talk about practical ways to live
your life better."
For one member,
that
meant finding
You learn to ask
solutions to stress
yourself - what's
on the road.
my reaction? And
"He was a longhow can I respond
distance trucker so
- Bill Kline
instead?
people cut him off
in traffic and did all
sorts of similar things," Kline said. "He found that he
was really wrought up and angry most of the time -
that was no good. He thought, 'If I can't change them,
what can I do that's better for me?' He began thanking
other drivers for the entertainment."
Whether cross-legged on a cushion at home, among
friends at a local recreation center, or while weaving
through rush-hour traffic, meditation can be an agent
of inner peace and a catalyst for greater awareness.
"You learn to ask yourself - what's my reaction?"
Kline said. "And how can I respond instead?"

Meditation is a personal journey, and there
are many ways to practice. The following are
some common styles that might work for the
beginner or individuals who have trouble
settling in.
BREATH MEDITATION: The goal here is to
focus on the breath as it enters and leaves the
body. As thoughts drift in and demand your
attention, practice shifting back to the breath.
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION: This simple
style urges practitioners to be present in the
moment, banishing worry about the past or
the future.
ZEN MEDITATION: This form of meditation
can be achieved by finding a comfortable
position, focusing on breathing and mindfully
observing one's thoughts without judgment.
CREATIVE VISUALIZ ATION MEDITATION:
Imagery meditation can help you maintain
a focus, induce relaxation, exercise the mind
or transform reality. Try creating a scene and
becoming one with it. Sense it, taste it, feel it
and hear it within the mind.
MUSIC MEDITATION: Listening to soft-flowing
music is another way to meditate. The
frequency of the music is intended to relax
the body.
GUIDED MEDITATION: This meditation style
encourages relaxed concentration, led by
another individual. The purpose is to find
mental, emotional and physical relaxation and
stress relief.

A P P S F O R M E D I TAT I O N
The internet is a great place to find
meditation apps, music and guided tutorials.
The following are examples of popular apps
for your iPhone or Android device.
C ALM | HEADSPACE | INSIGHT TIMER
THE MINDFULNESS APP | SIMPLE HABIT
MEDITATION AND REL A X ATION PRO

MAGAZINE

29
The Villages - April 2020

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