THE BIGGEST MYTHS ABOUT MEDITATION THAT KEEP YOU STUCK DEBUNKED!
Meditation practices are full of contradictions and diversity. They’re also immensely rewarding and worth all the effort. Clear up the myths and boost your physical and mental well-being through meditation.
Myth: It’s okay to discontinue medical treatment.
Truth: Talk with your doctor before making any decisions about your health. Meditation may reduce your need for prescription drugs or it may be a helpful supplement to conventional care.
Myth: You have to quiet your mind in order to have a successful meditation practice.
Truth: This may be the number one myth about meditation my clients mention, the main excuse of why they give up or become frustrated with their progress. This myth is the cause of more stress for those who try to meditate.
You cannot stop your mind from generating thoughts, it’s its job.
Meditation is about choosing the amount of time and attention you give to the thoughts that come up during your meditation practice.
Over time, and with practice, you experience a longer gap between your thoughts. This is the ultimate goal of meditation, finding “the gap” or the space between your thoughts. This gap is where pure consciousness resides.
Myth: Only the full lotus position counts.
Truth: Take a seat that’s comfortable for you. That may mean a half lotus on the floor or sitting in a straight backed chair, or if you are an experienced meditation, you can lay down. I love meditating lying down because I am comfortable, and I can go deep without falling asleep.
Myth: Aches and pains are good.
Truth: Change positions if you feel stiff or get a cramp.
Scan your body to detect areas of tension and make adjustments. You’ll eliminate distractions and protect your body from injury.
Myth: Expensive props make a big difference.
Truth: Go ahead and select a cushion that works well for you. You can also use your bed pillows or blankets, even a stack of books. Your mind and your comfort are what really counts.
Myth: Absolute quiet is essential.
Truth: Silence is conducive to meditation, but it can be difficult to find in our modern world. The noise made by our appliances can become a great distractor.
Work on accepting background noise with a peaceful mind.
Myth: Meditation requires a lot of time.
Truth: You can meditate for just a few minutes a day. Focus on your breathing when you’re stuck at a red light. Remind yourself of all you have to be grateful for while you’re waiting for your coffee to brew.
Myth: Meditation requires little time.
Truth: Prolonged contemplation leads to deeper insights. You can always adjust your priorities depending on what you want to accomplish.
Myth: Concentrate first.
Truth: Your thoughts may be accustomed to racing around. Over time, you will enhance your ability to concentrate. Simply let go of trying to concentrate first
Myth: Meditation is escapism.
Truth:
Myth: Zoning out is the ultimate goal.
Truth: Meditation can be used just to relax. You can also use your sessions to sort out personal issues or seek spiritual insights, or boost your creativity.
Myth: It’s some kind of religion.
Truth: Although meditation is a traditional part of many religions. It can also be adapted to your personal spiritual beliefs or be a completely secular activity.
Some meditators have no particular religious beliefs or are atheist or agnostic, some are health enthusiast or the new breed of entrepreneurs who meditate in order to experience more creativity, inner peace, or boost their business, and the numerous physical and mental health benefits of the practice – including lowered blood pressure, stress reduction, and restful sleep
Myth: Meditation is supposed to be a transcendent experience
Truth: Everyone receives information in their own way. It is important to honor your primary sensing mechanisms. Some people are very visual, others more auditory and others have sensations or just a knowingness within themselves. people feel a sense of peace, a sense of oneness
Many of my clients often express disappointment when they don’t experience visions, or get “out of body”, see colors, levitate (smiling here) , or other myths they have heard about.
During meditation, it is possible to feel a deep sense of peace, bliss, or to experience oneness and interconnectedness of the universe.
Myth: You’ll wind up isolated.
Truth: Sitting by yourself can actually strengthen your connections with others. You’ll develop more love and compassion, for yourself and others.
Myth: Breathing is just for beginners.
Truth: Watching your breathing or counting your inhalations and exhalations is a common technique when you’re starting out. Train carefully. Deep and relaxed breathing is essential at every stage of meditation.
Myth: Progress feels gradual and steady.
Truth: Expect fluctuations. Some sessions will go smoothly and sometimes you’ll struggle.
Myth: Meditation is easy.
Truth: Mindfulness can be hard work. To make breakthroughs in thinking, notice when resistance shows up, it can show up as distractions. Address your automatic defenses. To set out in a more positive direction, transform your patterns and entrenched habits.
Myth: Meditation is difficult.
Truth: Although it requires consistency and practice, meditation can also be simple and fun. Be gentle with yourself. Lighten up and enjoy the process.
