I am often asked, “What type of meditation do you practice and teach?” The answer is always the same: “Well, it depends. I follow what my intuition guides me to.” Over the years, I have studied and been taught many forms of meditation—some resonated, some didn’t. My journey with meditation has not been linear; rather, it has followed a winding path, guided by my inner compass. Each practice met me where I was and took me to where I needed to be. Perhaps, like you, I found it difficult at first. I started and stopped, thinking I was getting it wrong—that I wasn’t good at it. But over time, as I searched and learned, something happened. I stopped seeking, stopped grasping at what I thought meditation should look and feel like. I allowed my meditation practice to just be—whatever that was, whatever that felt like.

In the course of time, I discovered that in a fast-paced world filled with stress and distractions, meditation offers a path to inner peace, self-discovery, and healing. Among the many approaches to meditation, six distinct practices resonated with me—Mindfulness, Pranayama, Tibetan, Shaking, Tantric, and Reflective—each offering a unique gateway to heightened awareness and balance.

My journey began with Mindfulness Meditation, a practice deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. Here, the breath becomes an anchor, grounding us in the present moment. By observing our thoughts without judgment, we cultivate emotional clarity and resilience, shedding the burdens of past regrets and future anxieties. With each inhale and exhale, we learn to embrace the now, finding serenity in the stillness.

As my journey unfolded, the rhythm of breath took center stage in Pranayama Meditation. Rooted in ancient yogic traditions, Pranayama teaches us to harness the power of breath, using techniques such as alternate nostril breathing and breath retention to regulate energy flow. With practice, the breath becomes a bridge between mind and body, calming the nervous system and unlocking heightened states of consciousness. Through Pranayama, the simple act of breathing becomes a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.

Then, I entered the realm of Tibetan Meditation, a deeply spiritual practice derived from Tibetan Buddhist traditions. This form of meditation incorporates visualization, chanting, and energy channeling to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment. Common techniques include mantra recitation, such as the powerful Om Mani Padme Hum, and deity visualizations that align practitioners with higher states of consciousness. Tibetan Meditation encourages a profound connection to the universe and fosters a sense of interconnectedness and inner peace.

At some point I needed to move beyond stillness. My body, mind, and spirit called for movement. This was when I was guided to—Shaking Meditation, a practice that liberates the body from deep-seated tension and stress. In a world where emotions often stagnate, shaking serves as a natural release, allowing energy to flow freely once more. Rooted in indigenous traditions and modern somatic therapies, this dynamic form of meditation reconnects us with our primal instincts, fostering vitality and emotional balance. As the body moves, so too does the mind, allowing oneself to be immersed in a state of pure presence and renewal.

I continued to cultivate my practice through Tantric Meditation, which invites us into a world of energy and connection. Unlike conventional meditation, Tantra integrates breathwork, visualization, and mantra chanting to awaken the senses and align the body's energy centers. It is a dance between the physical and the spiritual, guiding practitioners toward a deeper self-awareness and a more authentic connection with others. Through Tantra, meditation transforms into an experience of embodied presence and transformation.

Along the way, I discovered Reflective Meditation, a practice that delves into the depths of thought and self-inquiry. Like Tantric Meditation, Reflective Meditation encourages deep contemplation on meaningful questions, ideas, or personal experiences. This practice allows us to explore our values, intentions, and emotions, guiding us toward profound insights and personal growth. By integrating reflection with meditative stillness, we cultivate wisdom, emotional intelligence, and an expanded perspective of our existence.

At this moment in my journey, my meditation practice unites these ancient wisdom traditions into a seamless whole. Each day, as I settle onto my cushion, I take a deep breath and pause: "What do my mind, body, and soul need right now?" I wait. I listen to my inner wisdom. I weave a holistic tapestry of self-awareness, healing, and spiritual evolution. Whether through breath, movement, stillness, or contemplation, I am reminded that peace is not a distant destination but an unfolding journey—one breath, one moment, one movement, one thought at a time.