I meditate for 31 minutes every morning. It’s one of my sidchas.
I’ve learned several ways to meditate, not that I consider myself to have mastered any: zen, vipassana, and mindfulness, for example. I’ve heard of many other styles. I also hear people distinguish dual from non-dual. Buddhist meditation comes in many forms, if you’re Theravada, Mahayana, Chinese, Tibetan, etc.
I’ve read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. I also read Essays by Michel de Montaigne, which I understand were based on meditations.
When I write, I often step away from the paper or computer I’m writing on to think, reflect, and let ideas come. I distinguish that reflection from meditations, but when I tell some people about it, they call it meditation.
Which of these techniques is actual meditation?
In my opinion, they all are. To me, to say, “I’m going to sit and meditate” is like saying “I’m going to play ball.” “Play ball” could mean basketball, baseball, football, etc.
I recommend playing lots of ball games and I recommend different types of meditation. You can get something from any of them.
