Meditation has been lauded by scientists and spiritualists alike as a practice with countless benefits for body and mind - to improved immunity, reduced stress, more harmonious relationships and better work performance to name a few. Unfortunately though, there are quite a few myths and misconception around meditation that can be off-putting and downright confusing to new and wannabe meditators. In this article I'm going to bust these myths for you one by one..
Misconception 1: "I Tried It Once And It Didn't Work"
This misconception is akin to trying to ride a bike for the very first time and then giving up after falling off - meditation requires consistency and practice (that's why it is often referred to as a practice). If you are hoping to experience deep states of inner peace, relaxation or bliss the very first time you sit down to meditate then you may be disappointed by your unrealistic expectations. These states can definitely be experienced in meditation, but not usually on the very first day!
Misconception 2: "I Just Can't Stop My Thoughts"
One of the biggest meditation misconceptions out there is the erroneous belief that meditation should involve a perfectly blank mind with no thoughts at all. This belief causes many new meditators to start struggling against their thoughts or give up in resignation. Meditation does not require a state of no thinking, but simply to become aware of when the mind is distracted by thoughts and to refocus the awareness on the meditation object once moreagain and again.
Misconception 3: "I Don't Have The Time To Meditate
You don't need to sit on your meditation cushion for hours each day in order to experience its benefits. Even just dedicating 5 to 20 minutes of meditation per day can be life-changing. The keys is to practice regularly and to make time to meditate - we are all busier than ever these days and we must consciously schedule in time for our priorities, so it's simply a matter of making our own happiness and wellbeing a priority.
Misconception 4: "I Don't Have The Space To Meditate"
I know it would be wonderful to be able to meditate in an exotic monastery, on a mountain-top or on a serene beach. But it's not essential - all you need is somewhere fairly quiet where you can sit up straight comfortably for a few minutes without being disturbed. You can meditate sitting up in bed, on a chair or a couch or even on a bus or a train - don't let wanting a perfectly peaceful spot stop you from just doing it.
Misconception 5: "But I'm Not A Buddhist"
While many meditation techniques stem from Buddhist practices, meditation is a secular practice. All humans suffer from restless minds and times of stress or agitation, and meditation can benefit anyone - no matter what religion they belong to or even if they are not religious at all. There are, however, many excellent meditation classes and retreats held at Buddhist monasteries all over the world, and they are open to people from all denominations and walks of life.
Hopefully this article has busted some myths that may have been preventing you from starting your own meditation practice. Meditation is truly for everyone and with practice and consistency can change your life in many profound and unexpected ways.
Misconception 1: "I Tried It Once And It Didn't Work"
This misconception is akin to trying to ride a bike for the very first time and then giving up after falling off - meditation requires consistency and practice (that's why it is often referred to as a practice). If you are hoping to experience deep states of inner peace, relaxation or bliss the very first time you sit down to meditate then you may be disappointed by your unrealistic expectations. These states can definitely be experienced in meditation, but not usually on the very first day!
Misconception 2: "I Just Can't Stop My Thoughts"
One of the biggest meditation misconceptions out there is the erroneous belief that meditation should involve a perfectly blank mind with no thoughts at all. This belief causes many new meditators to start struggling against their thoughts or give up in resignation. Meditation does not require a state of no thinking, but simply to become aware of when the mind is distracted by thoughts and to refocus the awareness on the meditation object once moreagain and again.
Misconception 3: "I Don't Have The Time To Meditate
You don't need to sit on your meditation cushion for hours each day in order to experience its benefits. Even just dedicating 5 to 20 minutes of meditation per day can be life-changing. The keys is to practice regularly and to make time to meditate - we are all busier than ever these days and we must consciously schedule in time for our priorities, so it's simply a matter of making our own happiness and wellbeing a priority.
Misconception 4: "I Don't Have The Space To Meditate"
I know it would be wonderful to be able to meditate in an exotic monastery, on a mountain-top or on a serene beach. But it's not essential - all you need is somewhere fairly quiet where you can sit up straight comfortably for a few minutes without being disturbed. You can meditate sitting up in bed, on a chair or a couch or even on a bus or a train - don't let wanting a perfectly peaceful spot stop you from just doing it.
Misconception 5: "But I'm Not A Buddhist"
While many meditation techniques stem from Buddhist practices, meditation is a secular practice. All humans suffer from restless minds and times of stress or agitation, and meditation can benefit anyone - no matter what religion they belong to or even if they are not religious at all. There are, however, many excellent meditation classes and retreats held at Buddhist monasteries all over the world, and they are open to people from all denominations and walks of life.
Hopefully this article has busted some myths that may have been preventing you from starting your own meditation practice. Meditation is truly for everyone and with practice and consistency can change your life in many profound and unexpected ways.
About the Author:
Sharee James is a naturopath and a yoga and meditation instructor specialising in holistic mental health. For extra information on meditation check out her Youtube video How To Meditate or visit her website at http://www.ashimaliving.com/
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