Meditation is a simple practice that has the potential to change your whole life - from the inside out. Science has proven the many benefits of meditation - from better mental health to happier relationships and improved work performance. Many potential new students are deterred, however, by a few persistent - but wholly untrue! - myths and misconception about meditation - so let's debunk them one by one.
Misconception 1: "I Tried It Once And It Didn't Work"
Maybe you have tried meditation once or twice before and felt disappointed with the results. It's not uncommon for newbies to embark on a new practice expecting immediate peace and bliss only to discover that their minds seem crazier than a bunch of monkeyson speed. This is a completely normal experience - the problem lies in making the assuming after this one experience that meditation simply doesn't work for you. Meditation is a practiceit's something that needs to be done consistently and it can take a while before you begin to experience some of the deeper states of meditation, so patience is crucial.
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"
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 a lot of meditation practices originated from Buddhism, meditation is not inherently religious, and you don't have to subscribe to any particular set of beliefs to meditate. Everyone experiences mental stress, agitation or anxiety from time to time and meditation can be beneficial to everyone - regardless what religion they belong to or even if they are not religious at all. There are, however, many practical and informative meditation classes and retreats held at Buddhist centres in many countries, and they are available to the general public no matter whether one is Buddhist or not.
Hopefully this post has cleared up some misconceptions that may have been stopping you from embarking on your own meditation practice. Meditation is truly for everyone and with patience and perseverance, it can change your life in many profound and unexpected ways.
Misconception 1: "I Tried It Once And It Didn't Work"
Maybe you have tried meditation once or twice before and felt disappointed with the results. It's not uncommon for newbies to embark on a new practice expecting immediate peace and bliss only to discover that their minds seem crazier than a bunch of monkeyson speed. This is a completely normal experience - the problem lies in making the assuming after this one experience that meditation simply doesn't work for you. Meditation is a practiceit's something that needs to be done consistently and it can take a while before you begin to experience some of the deeper states of meditation, so patience is crucial.
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"
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 a lot of meditation practices originated from Buddhism, meditation is not inherently religious, and you don't have to subscribe to any particular set of beliefs to meditate. Everyone experiences mental stress, agitation or anxiety from time to time and meditation can be beneficial to everyone - regardless what religion they belong to or even if they are not religious at all. There are, however, many practical and informative meditation classes and retreats held at Buddhist centres in many countries, and they are available to the general public no matter whether one is Buddhist or not.
Hopefully this post has cleared up some misconceptions that may have been stopping you from embarking on your own meditation practice. Meditation is truly for everyone and with patience and perseverance, 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 specialising in holistic mental health. For extra meditation resources check out her Youtube video How To Meditate or visit her site at http://www.ashimaliving.com/