Meditation myths are everywhere. There’s more and more awareness of meditation and its benefits in the general population, but despite this, there is still a certain image that meditation conjures up in many people’s minds.
In the last couple of weeks alone I’ve had so many interesting conversations where I was really surprised of people’s thoughts and perceptions of what meditation was given the amount of information out there
Meditation Myth #1 – Meditation is about nothingness
Meditation can be about whatever you want it to be. It is not about trying to have ‘nothing’ going on in your head. It’s about being able to relax and be in the present moment and have a mindful concentration on whatever you choose to meditate on. It doesn’t have to be about clearing your head of everything.
Meditation Myth #2 – Meditation is all spiritual mumbo jumbo
For some people, meditation can be in the form of prayer. Others meditate seeking spiritual enlightenment outside of religion. If meditation or prayer helps individuals actually achieve that state of mind that is awesome. But that doesn’t meant that is what meditation is all about. That is just one path that individuals have chosen to use meditation for. There are many paths you can go down with meditation.
Meditation Myth #3 – I need a lot of time to meditate
This one has a very simple answer….no you don’t! Have you got 2 minutes between meetings, a spare couple of minutes before jumping in the shower or before going to bed. Then you’ve got enough time to meditate.
Meditation Myth #4 – I need to sit in some weird lotus position to meditate
It’s easy to see where this myth comes from. Type meditation pictures into a google search and you are quickly exposed to thousands of images with people sitting cross-legged, back of wrists resting on knees with thumb and forefingers closed. That gives a clearer picture that someone is actually doing something than a picture of someone sitting on a chair (eyes open or closed) with a peaceful expression on their face. If you saw that picture, you’d be saying, “they’re just sitting there”. But the reality is you can meditate sitting or laying down in a comfortable position. Or for that matter you can even meditate while exercising!
Meditation Myth #5 – I’m always on the go and can’t sit still long enough
You don’t have to be a statue to meditate…
It’s perfectly fine to move around during a meditation. Whether that is just re-adjusting yourself while sitting or lying down. If you need to stretch in the middle of a meditation, just do it!
Or you can try a standing or walking meditation. There are so many ways to meditate, don’t get stuck with certain pictures in your mind on how it should be done.
Meditation Myth #6 – My mind is too active to meditate
So you think that you think too much? Mind racing all the time. So much so that it is impossible to stop.
The reality is, everyone thinks too much. We all have a lot going on in our minds. Meditation is not about not thinking. On the contrary, your mind is actively engaged whether it be focusing on a certain aspect or letting thoughts pass through your mind. Your active mind should be engaged during any meditation.
Meditation Myth #7 – Meditation takes years to learn
Meditation can be learnt in minutes. That’s one of the great things about it! And there’s no right and wrong way. Everyone’s experience with meditation will be different and some will work better for you than others.
If you’ve never tried meditation before due to one or many of the above myths, why not try a short meditation and dispel those myths today.
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