A meditation practice helps you get into a meditative state. It’s when you reach a higher level of consciousness. Learn how to get there.
Stress comes from many aspects of life. It causes anxiety, discomfort, and a busy mind.
Meditation is a practice that helps you relax and achieve inner peace.
It dates back thousands of years with a focus on spirituality. Today, anyone can practice many types of meditation to achieve a meditative state.
The following is your guide to reaching higher levels of consciousness and peace.
Table of Contents
Related: Funny Meditation Jokes
What’s a meditative state?
A meditative state is when you reach a level of deep relaxation, awareness, and being present.
It’s an experience of focus and bliss where your stress and worries melt away.
You may lose track of time and forget that you’re meditating.
The state relaxes your body and mind. So, your breath becomes shallow, and your chin will dip.
It takes time and experience to achieve such a state. A daily meditation practice gets you closer until you reach it.
Types of meditative states
You’ll transition into different states as you calm your body and mind. One isn’t better than another because each offers various benefits.
The following are the states you may experience during your meditation practice.
Present-moment awareness
Present-moment awareness is a state that’s all about the now. You’ll observe your thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
It’s about letting go of the past and future. It allows you to focus on the present moment.
Notice the sounds around you, the temperature, and what goes in and out of your mind.
Present-moment awareness is an excellent state of mind. It ensures you’re focusing on the here and now.
The state relieves stress, evokes creativity, and achieves contentment.
Transcendence
Transcendence is a powerful state you can enter through mantra meditation.
You repeat a word or phrase until you reach inner peace and bliss.
It goes beyond time and space. It can also make you feel an out-of-body experience.
A state of transcendence leads to calmness, happiness, and rejuvenation.
Focused intention
Unlike others, the focused intention state is about the future.
You’ll use visualization to focus on your goals and set your intentions.
Your thoughts and intentions hold a lot of power. The state sets your mind and energy to the outcomes you desire.
An essential part of the focused intention state is being content with the present.
Visualize achieving your goals while expressing gratitude for what you have.
How to reach a meditative state
Meditation can be challenging due to stress, worries, and overthinking.
There are techniques to help you overcome obstacles and achieve a meditative state.
It can result in a higher level of consciousness and calmness.
The following are different ways to relax your body and mind.
1. Create a calm environment
The first step to reaching a meditative state is the environment.
If your meditation area isn’t conducive to peace, the type of meditation doesn’t matter.
Meditate in a place that’s quiet, comfortable, and free of distractions.
2. Meditate while closing your eyes
While meditation isn’t the only way to reach a meditative state, it’s an excellent way.
Find a comfortable position. You can sit or lie down.
Then, practice the meditation and notice how it relaxes you.
It clears your mind, soothes your body, and leads to being present.
As you meditate, close your eyes to increase your focus. It blocks out visual distractions.
3. Focus on your breath
Your breathing affects everything else. A slow pace is essential for relaxation and achieving a meditative state.
Start by taking a deep breath through your nose and out through your mouth.
While you’ll begin by taking deep breaths, you’ll transition into shallow breaths.
It’s a sign that you’re reaching a meditative state.
Final thoughts
A meditative state connects you with your inner self.
It makes you present in the moment, calm, and peaceful. You’ll feel a sense of focus, clarity, and a clear mind.
Practice meditation each day, and you’ll transition deeper into it.
Related: The Spiritual Meaning of Wind Chimes
Featured image by David Em/Relaxation Hero.
David Em
David Em is the Founder of Relaxation Hero. He created this site to provide tips and resources to help you relax. Outside of Relaxation Hero, David is the CEO of Everyone Media Group. He also enjoys hiking, running, and traveling.