The simple practice of meditation can improve your relationships; reduce stress, worry and anxiety and even improve your productivity, performance and focus at work. Unfortunately, however, many potential students are often deterred from starting their own meditation practice by a few widely-held misconceptions about meditation that are simply not true! In this post I'm going to set the record straight about just how simple meditation really is, once and for all
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"
Raise your hand if you thought that meditation meant achieving a totally blank state of mind with no thoughtsit's very common misconception that causes a lot of angst for new meditators! Getting into an internal battle with your ubiquitous thoughts is futile and often creates more stress. The nature of the mind is to think, and meditation does not require you to try and stop this natural process. All you need to do is notice when you have become distracted by thought and lost your focus - then you simply return your awareness back to your meditation objectover and over again.
Misconception 3: "I Don't Have Time to Meditate"
We are all busier than ever these days and it can be hard adding one more thing to our "to-do" list. Meditation doesn't require long periods of time to be beneficial, it simply requires consistency - even 5 to 10 minutes a day can work wonders. By making your own happiness and wellbeing a true priority, you will feel motivated to make time for your practice in your schedule.
Misconception 4: "I Don't Have The Space To Meditate"
Sure, it would be lovely to be able to meditate in a Zen garden, on a mountain-top or on a tropical beach. But it's really not necessary - all you need is somewhere reasonably quiet where you can sit upright 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 tranquil venue stop you from just doing it.
Misconception 5: "But I'm Not A Buddhist"
Meditation is not unique to Buddhism, though many forms of popular meditation techniques such as mindfulness meditation are loosely based on ancient Buddhist practices. Having said that though, you don't need to subscribe to any particular set of beliefs to meditate - meditation is for everyone regardless of whether you belong to another religion or are not religious at all. There are many excellent meditation trainings, classes and retreats held at Buddhist centres around the world, but most of them are open to the general public and are not specifically intended just for Buddhists.
Hopefully this article has cleared up some misconceptions that may have been stopping you from starting your own meditation practice. Meditation is truly for everyone and with patience and consistency, it 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"
Raise your hand if you thought that meditation meant achieving a totally blank state of mind with no thoughtsit's very common misconception that causes a lot of angst for new meditators! Getting into an internal battle with your ubiquitous thoughts is futile and often creates more stress. The nature of the mind is to think, and meditation does not require you to try and stop this natural process. All you need to do is notice when you have become distracted by thought and lost your focus - then you simply return your awareness back to your meditation objectover and over again.
Misconception 3: "I Don't Have Time to Meditate"
We are all busier than ever these days and it can be hard adding one more thing to our "to-do" list. Meditation doesn't require long periods of time to be beneficial, it simply requires consistency - even 5 to 10 minutes a day can work wonders. By making your own happiness and wellbeing a true priority, you will feel motivated to make time for your practice in your schedule.
Misconception 4: "I Don't Have The Space To Meditate"
Sure, it would be lovely to be able to meditate in a Zen garden, on a mountain-top or on a tropical beach. But it's really not necessary - all you need is somewhere reasonably quiet where you can sit upright 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 tranquil venue stop you from just doing it.
Misconception 5: "But I'm Not A Buddhist"
Meditation is not unique to Buddhism, though many forms of popular meditation techniques such as mindfulness meditation are loosely based on ancient Buddhist practices. Having said that though, you don't need to subscribe to any particular set of beliefs to meditate - meditation is for everyone regardless of whether you belong to another religion or are not religious at all. There are many excellent meditation trainings, classes and retreats held at Buddhist centres around the world, but most of them are open to the general public and are not specifically intended just for Buddhists.
Hopefully this article has cleared up some misconceptions that may have been stopping you from starting your own meditation practice. Meditation is truly for everyone and with patience and consistency, it can change your life in many profound and unexpected ways.
About the Author:
Sharee James is a naturopath and a yoga and meditation instructor with a special interest 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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