Meditation Myths and What Really Matters
I began meditating in 2019. I was working full time over nights and my life was quite difficult. So I turned inwards. I have gone through many phases and theories of what meditation is, what is isn't and how to do it "correctly". This field of interest had boomed over the last 5-6 years. Most likely from people searching for inner peace in a world full of chaos. I wanted to share with you some of the myths I have succumbed to and the truths about meditation I have discovered on my way.
If you are anything like me, you have looked into meditation. Sometimes the idea of it is overwhelming. Taking time to be still in a world that is always demanding every second. Trying to find silence when there is noise coming at you from all angles. Trying to force inner peace when everything around seems to be on fire.
Meditation is often viewed as a way to regulate your nervous system and bring inner peace by calming the mind but in exchange for long meditation sessions, silence (inner and outer), and focused effort to achieve your desired effects. But these are myths
It's important to realize what meditation really is, how it works and how you can make it work for you.
Myth: You must clear your mind.
-In reality, thoughts are natural; meditation is about noticing them without getting caught up in them.
Myth: You have to sit on the floor cross-legged.
-You can sit in a chair, on a couch, or anywhere comfortable with your back supported.
Myth: It takes hours to see results.
-Even 5-10 minutes daily can significantly reduce stress and improve mood.
Myth: It is about "concentration."
-It is actually about relaxation and letting go, not forcing the mind.
Myth: It is for spiritual people only.
-Meditation is a universal practice for mental health that anyone can use.
Myth: You cannot be, or are not, meditating if you feel restless.
-Restless feelings are simply things to observe, not a sign of failure
Some helpful tips
- Set aside a few minutes each morning or night to meditate. The morning meditation is beneficial for setting the tone of your day but also meditation at night it a wonderful way to release the stresses of the day. You don't need to spend hours meditating.
- When you go to meditate it's really important, regardless of the amount of time you choose, to remove distractions for that time. Quiet your phone, turn off the tv, set some meditation music if you need.
- Make sure you are comfortable and supported. It doesn't matter if you are on the couch on the floor in your bed. I used to meditate in my car on my lunch break.
- While meditating don't fight thoughts. Watch them come and go. I like to imagine the thoughts are fish in a pond. I can watch but I don't need to catch them.
- Remember it's not about concentration. Many people struggle with letting go and relaxing. You don't need to control the mind. The thoughts a slippery fish, don't fight them. Just breathe and watch what comes up.
- Observe. Your thoughts but also your body. Your body is a messenger of thoughts too. If you are feeling restless, or fidgety, it's just your mind expressing something to you. If you feel to stressed to sit and meditate, be kind to yourself and try again later.
- Be calm, breathe and trust yourself. Let go.
I used to fight my thoughts, and get frustrated with myself. I wondered what was wrong with me. Wondered why my mind was always 'on'. Turns out nothing is wrong. I have a healthy mind, full of thoughts. Be graceful with yourself if you are just starting with meditation or if you have been with it for some time. It is a mindfulness technique. There to help calm you, not stress you.
I invite you to be kind with yourself, breath and relax and let meditation work for you.
Photo credit : CreativeCanvasShop - Pixbay.com
