Eye Pillows - These are used when you are lying down while meditating. They are often made of flax seed covered with silk and they are placed directly over acupressure points that surround your eyes. They relieve tension and block out light. Some include aromatherapy oils to promote a deep feeling of relaxation.

Meditation Blanket - You can use one to cover a cushion, chair, or bench. You can also use it to cover yourself during your meditation to provide you with warmth. Some are made from very soft fabrics, which help promote a deeper sense of relaxation.

Meditation Music - Using soft music can help you relax fully so you can experience a deeper meditation practice.

Meditation Timers - If you are concerned about spending too long a period of time in meditation, you will not be able to focus fully within. Set one of these timers so you can let go and be fully present in your meditation. At just right time, you will be gently alerted that your practice time is over.

There are a variety of items that you can try during your meditation to see which ones you like and to discover which ones help you go deeper within. Remember, goal of meditation is stillness. When your body is comfortable, then your mind has ability to become still.

Power Yoga - This is an intense workout that is a hybrid of Ashtanga, because postures do not necessarily follow a particular sequence every time. Asanas move from one to another and they require a great deal of strength and stamina. Power yoga is best suited for athletic, well-conditioned individuals. It is my favorite type of yoga, and even though I am in excellent physical shape, I find it very challenging.

Kundalini - This type of yoga combines postures with specific breathing. Its purpose is to release Kundalini energy that is housed at base of spine and allow it to move upward. Its ultimate goal is spiritual enlightenment.

Kripalu - This style of yoga is meditation in motion. Its goal is for individual to gain a deeper inner awareness and to nurture a relationship with his or her body. Classes include gentle yoga postures with coordinated breathing and an emphasis on alignment. They also include an extended period of meditation and relaxation.

Integral - Created by Sri Swami Satchidananda, this type of yoga is very gentle. Classes have a greater emphasis on meditative rather than physical aspects of yoga. Integral Yoga is included in Dr. Dean Ornish’s program, which has been shown to reverse heart disease.

Viniyoga - This style was created by T.K.V. Desikachar and is a therapeutic approach to yoga. It focuses on breathing in conjunction with movement. Viniyoga encourages modified postures to meet an individual’s specific needs and abilities. It would be a valuable style for someone who is dealing with an injury or other physical restriction.

Once you’ve chosen a specific type of yoga, it doesn’t mean you have to stay with it forever. You can choose to focus on another style for a while or mix several different types depending on how your mind and body feel. Whichever type you choose, most important thing is to continue doing it on a regular basis so you can enjoy rewards that yoga brings.