Myths about meditation
The practice of meditation is becoming increasingly popular and its benefits are being celebrated from East to West. But this increase in popularity is also creating a lot of confusion. There are many myths about meditation that prevent people from practicing it, even if they are convinced of its many qualities and blessings. Too difficult, too woo-woo, takes too much time, etc. But what if these excuses are just one of the many myths that keep us from practicing? Yogilab debunks some of them.
When you are new to meditation and have the desire to explore this beautiful practice, you’re often faced with some popular ideas that are far from being true. Here are the main myths about meditation exposed so that they do not prevent you from practicing anymore.
Meditation Is Difficult
Meditation has often been associated with a practice reserved for saints, devotees, and people on a deep spiritual quest. It’s seen as something that requires years of total dedication. In reality, learning to meditate is relatively easy. The techniques can be as simple as focusing on the breath, a physical sensation, or a selected object. The important thing is to progress at your own pace and gradually experience the benefits associated with this practice.
Meditation Is Very Time Consuming
There are busy, high-functioning leaders out there who have not missed a meditation session in years. If you make meditation a priority, you can do it without disrupting your whole timeline or forcing yourself. If you think your schedule is too full, remember that even a few minutes of meditation is better than doing nothing. As you meditate, you will notice that you can accomplish more by doing less. Instead of fighting, struggling to achieve goals, you spend more and more time imagining and creating ways to do things more simply and better organized.
In fact, it is never a question of time or lack of time, but a question of interest and awareness of what is best for you. We encourage you not to walk away from meditation just because it is too late in the day or because you feel too sleepy.
Meditation Is An Escape From Reality
This is another fundamental error that exposes the lack of understanding of meditation. To meditate is to be present in the here and now, in a particular place, at a particular time, and to remain fully aware of everything in the moment. The real purpose of meditation is not to run away from reality but to accept what is there and understand it so that you can consciously build your life. You connect to that aspect of yourself that goes beyond all the external and changing circumstances. Too many people try to use meditation as a form of escape, as a way to get around unresolved emotional issues. But this approach flies in the face of all wisdom about meditation and self-awareness.
In the meditative state, your awareness allows you to let go, to accept life as it is, not as it should be. You are not trying to forget your problems, to run away from your reality.
Meditation Is A State Of Complete Relaxation
Total relaxation is conscious relaxation. Meditation combines the active with the passive approach. You quiet the mind, but your posture is engaged and upright. You are aware of your breathing, your body alignment, aware of what is happening within you and around you. If you relax too much, you risk falling into a sweet nap, which is something you want to avoid.
Some People Will Never Be Able To Learn To Meditate
Imagine that a child who is just beginning to learn to walk tries to take a step, falls, and then turns his head and says: “Sorry, Mom, but this walking thing just doesn’t work for me.” No point, right? Meditation is like walking. It’s an activity that we learn over a very short period of time and perfect over the rest of our lives.
It Takes Years Of Practice To See The Benefits
The truth is, every moment spent meditating can make a difference in your life. The time you spend in meditation is secondary to the frequency of your practice. The benefits of meditation are felt quickly and over the long term. Most scientific studies show improvement within a few weeks. A major study conducted by Harvard University at Massachusetts General Hospital found that after only eight weeks of practice, participants experienced a decrease in anxiety and a greater sense of well-being and composure.
Meditation Is About Turning Your Thoughts Off
Many people approach meditation with the belief that the mind must be really quiet during the whole process. But after all, meditation is all about registering the wanderings of the mind and not getting involved with them. Even Buddhist monks who are experienced in meditation experience moments when their minds wander off. This is true for absolutely everyone. In the mental gym, the act of taking your mind back from wandering is an exercise that strengthens the brain. The key is that instead of being a judge, you become an observer.
Meditation Is A Religious Practice
For many people, meditation can seem like something uncomfortably related to religious faith. Anything that mentions spirituality and mindfulness can be intimidating and can even turn people away from meditation. Meditation is not a dogmatic practice. It simply includes different methods for reconnecting with your deepest self. The words used in meditation have a rich history and are used to communicate the internal experiences or feelings of some practitioners. But meditation is a purely secular activity.
Meditation Is For Adults Only
Adults are not the only ones to experience the devastating effects of stress. Children also suffer the pressure from their family, social, and school environments. They feel overwhelmed by the many pursuits or accomplishments that are asked of them. Meditation is one way that parents can help their children understand that stress and make higher choices for themselves.
Some schools have begun to discuss whether meditation is a lifelong skill that should be taught. Schools that have tried it have found that students are significantly less stressed, among other things. But if the goal of the school is to teach kids to perform better, then stress will continue to exist, because comparing one’s performance with others is the root cause of stress.
Meditation Can Only Be Done Sitting In Full Lotus
For those who have difficulty sitting still during meditation and believe that they must remain in this position without moving, we have good news for you. You can readjust your position, scratch your itch or simply stretch your legs in the middle of your practice. You don’t have to be a statue. If you are in a group, try to do it quietly so as not to disturb other people.
You can also sit in any place that works for you. Most people like to sit in a cushion, but you can also choose to sit in a large armchair or on a kitchen chair. You can even sit on your bed with pillows on your sides. The possibilities are endless. For those who need more movement, you can try walking meditation. Traditionally, meditation can be practiced in four positions: Sitting, standing, walking, or lying down. Don’t force yourself to do something you don’t like. Try other methods and find the one you like and where you feel most natural.
Meditation Should Ring You Transcendental Experiences
Some people are disappointed when they do not experience visions, see colors, levitate, hear a choir of angels, or attain enlightenment when they meditate. Although we can have a variety of wonderful experiences when we meditate, including feelings of happiness and oneness, this is not the purpose of the practice.
The real benefits of meditation go beyond the time you practice it. In fact, the benefits are felt throughout the whole day, week, month, or more. When we leave our meditation session, we bring with us the stillness and silence of our practice. This allows us to be more creative, more compassionate, more mindful, more joyful, and more loving to ourselves and those we meet.
Facts About Meditation
You may also have heard claims about the benefits of meditation, but find them hard to believe. So here are the things that you can associate with meditation. But don’t take our word for it, test it and witness its magic on yourself.
Meditation Is Safe & Accessible To Everyone
You can start at any age and in any environment. Everyone is suitable for it. Meditation does not require any special psycho-physical aptitude. The only thing you need is persistence. You cannot harm yourself with meditation if you practice according to the teacher’s instructions, if you don’t mix techniques and paths, and if you don’t add unnecessary philosophy to something that is so clear and simple. You are responsible for your own development, so you have to observe what happens and correct mistakes.
Meditation Improves Our Health
Scientific research conducted at leading universities unequivocally confirms the beneficial effect of meditation on our bodies. A positive effect on anxiety disorders has been witnessed and reported. The structure of the brain changes, the level of stress decreases, the immune system strengthens. Researchers also point to impressive improvement in diseases related to eating disorders, namely anorexia, and bulimia.
People Who Meditate Are Happier
Yes, because they are able to enjoy the present moment, be here and now. They don’t waste energy on constant reminiscing and on writing scenarios for the future. They don’t make their happiness dependent on something, someone, what happened to them, or what is yet to come. Goals and achievements are just steps in life that happen as a consequence of being and acting in the present. They are side effects of what we are focusing on now.
Meditation Doesn’t Induce A Change In Religion Or Belief System
As conscious individuals, we can only choose our belief system ourselves. Meditation is a tool that is present in all spiritual traditions – in Christianity, Sufism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Hesychasm, Judaism, and it also has a secular version. It is up to you which of these paths you will take, or maybe you will not choose any of them and that is fine too.
People Who Meditate Change
Yes, for the better. They become more empathetic, understanding, tolerant of others and themselves. They are calmer, more compassionate, and accepting. Due to the change of consciousness, they start to look for new friends, something else becomes important to them, they look for different experiences and start setting new priorities. This is the price they have to pay for their development, but it’s also the best gift they give to themselves and humanity.
Now that you understand this practice better, why don’t you give meditation a try? We run free online retreats every month to teach you real meditation, help you master your mind, and achieve anything that you’ve been dreaming of.
Myths about meditation
The practice of meditation is becoming increasingly popular and its benefits are being celebrated from East to West. But this increase in popularity is also creating a lot of confusion. There are many myths about meditation that prevent people from practicing it, even if they are convinced of its many qualities and blessings. Too difficult, too woo-woo, takes too much time, etc. But what if these excuses are just one of the many myths that keep us from practicing? Yogilab debunks some of them.
When you are new to meditation and have the desire to explore this beautiful practice, you’re often faced with some popular ideas that are far from being true. Here are the main myths about meditation exposed so that they do not prevent you from practicing anymore.
Meditation is difficult
Meditation has often been associated with a practice reserved for saints, devotees, and people on a deep spiritual quest. It’s seen as something that requires years of total dedication. In reality, learning to meditate is relatively easy. The techniques can be as simple as focusing on the breath, a physical sensation, or a selected object. The important thing is to progress at your own pace and gradually experience the benefits associated with this practice.
Meditation is very time consuming
There are busy, high-functioning leaders out there who have not missed a meditation session in years. If you make meditation a priority, you can do it without disrupting your whole timeline or forcing yourself. If you think your schedule is too full, remember that even a few minutes of meditation is better than doing nothing. As you meditate, you will notice that you can accomplish more by doing less. Instead of fighting, struggling to achieve goals, you spend more and more time imagining and creating ways to do things more simply and better organized.
In fact, it is never a question of time or lack of time, but a question of interest and awareness of what is best for you. We encourage you not to walk away from meditation just because it is too late in the day or because you feel too sleepy.
Meditation is an escape from reality
This is another fundamental error that exposes the lack of understanding of meditation. To meditate is to be present in the here and now, in a particular place, at a particular time, and to remain fully aware of everything in the moment.
The real purpose of meditation is not to run away from reality but to accept what is there and understand it so that you can consciously build your life. You connect to that aspect of yourself that goes beyond all the external and changing circumstances. Too many people try to use meditation as a form of escape, as a way to get around unresolved emotional issues. But this approach flies in the face of all wisdom about meditation and self-awareness.
In the meditative state, your awareness allows you to let go, to accept life as it is, not as it should be. You are not trying to forget your problems, to run away from your reality.
Meditation is a state of complete relaxation
Total relaxation is conscious relaxation. Meditation combines the active with the passive approach. You quiet the mind, but your posture is engaged and upright. You are aware of your breathing, your body alignment, aware of what is happening within you and around you. If you relax too much, you risk falling into a sweet nap, which is something you want to avoid.
Some people will never be able to learn to meditate
Imagine that a child who is just beginning to learn to walk tries to take a step, falls, and then turns his head and says: “Sorry, Mom, but this walking thing just doesn’t work for me.” No point, right? Meditation is like walking. It’s an activity that we learn over a very short period of time and perfect over the rest of our lives.
It takes years of practice to see the benefits
The truth is, every moment spent meditating can make a difference in your life. The time you spend in meditation is secondary to the frequency of your practice. The benefits of meditation are felt quickly and over the long term. Most scientific studies show improvement within a few weeks. A major study conducted by Harvard University at Massachusetts General Hospital found that after only eight weeks of practice, participants experienced a decrease in anxiety and a greater sense of well-being and composure.
Meditation is about turning your thoughts off
Many people approach meditation with the belief that the mind must be really quiet during the whole process. But after all, meditation is all about registering the wanderings of the mind and not getting involved with them. Even Buddhist monks who are experienced in meditation experience moments when their minds wander off. This is true for absolutely everyone. In the mental gym, the act of taking your mind back from wandering is an exercise that strengthens the brain. The key is that instead of being a judge, you become an observer.
Meditation is a religious practice
For many people, meditation can seem like something uncomfortably related to religious faith. Anything that mentions spirituality and mindfulness can be intimidating and can even turn people away from meditation. Meditation is not a dogmatic practice. It simply includes different methods for reconnecting with your deepest self. The words used in meditation have a rich history and are used to communicate the internal experiences or feelings of some practitioners. But meditation is a purely secular activity.
Meditation is for adults only
Adults are not the only ones to experience the devastating effects of stress. Children also suffer the pressure from their family, social, and school environments. They feel overwhelmed by the many pursuits or accomplishments that are asked of them. Meditation is one way that parents can help their children understand that stress and make higher choices for themselves.
Some schools have begun to discuss whether meditation is a lifelong skill that should be taught. Schools that have tried it have found that students are significantly less stressed, among other things. But if the goal of the school is to teach kids to perform better, then stress will continue to exist, because comparing one’s performance with others is the root cause of stress.
Meditation can only be done sitting in full lotus
For those who have difficulty sitting still during meditation and believe that they must remain in this position without moving, we have good news for you. You can readjust your position, scratch your itch or simply stretch your legs in the middle of your practice. You don’t have to be a statue. If you are in a group, try to do it quietly so as not to disturb other people.
You can also sit in any place that works for you. Most people like to sit in a cushion, but you can also choose to sit in a large armchair or on a kitchen chair. You can even sit on your bed with pillows on your sides. The possibilities are endless. For those who need more movement, you can try walking meditation. Traditionally, meditation can be practiced in four positions: Sitting, standing, walking, or lying down. Don’t force yourself to do something you don’t like. Try other methods and find the one you like and where you feel most natural.
Meditation should bring you transcendental experiences
Some people are disappointed when they do not experience visions, see colors, levitate, hear a choir of angels, or attain enlightenment when they meditate. Although we can have a variety of wonderful experiences when we meditate, including feelings of happiness and oneness, this is not the purpose of the practice.
The real benefits of meditation go beyond the time you practice it. In fact, the benefits are felt throughout the whole day, week, month, or more. When we leave our meditation session, we bring with us the stillness and silence of our practice. This allows us to be more creative, more compassionate, more mindful, more joyful, and more loving to ourselves and those we meet.
Facts about meditation
You may also have heard claims about the benefits of meditation, but find them hard to believe. So here are the things that you can associate with meditation. But don’t take our word for it, test it and witness its magic on yourself.
Meditation is safe and accessible to everyone
You can start at any age and in any environment. Everyone is suitable for it. Meditation does not require any special psycho-physical aptitude. The only thing you need is persistence. You cannot harm yourself with meditation if you practice according to the teacher’s instructions, if you don’t mix techniques and paths, and if you don’t add unnecessary philosophy to something that is so clear and simple. You are responsible for your own development, so you have to observe what happens and correct mistakes.
Meditation improves our health
Scientific research conducted at leading universities unequivocally confirms the beneficial effect of meditation on our bodies. A positive effect on anxiety disorders has been witnessed and reported. The structure of the brain changes, the level of stress decreases, the immune system strengthens. Researchers also point to impressive improvement in diseases related to eating disorders, namely anorexia, and bulimia.
People who meditate are happier
Yes, because they are able to enjoy the present moment, be here and now. They don’t waste energy on constant reminiscing and on writing scenarios for the future. They don’t make their happiness dependent on something, someone, what happened to them, or what is yet to come. Goals and achievements are just steps in life that happen as a consequence of being and acting in the present. They are side effects of what we are focusing on now.
Meditation does not induce a change in religion or belief system
As conscious individuals, we can only choose our belief system ourselves. Meditation is a tool that is present in all spiritual traditions – in Christianity, Sufism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Hesychasm, Judaism, and it also has a secular version. It is up to you which of these paths you will take, or maybe you will not choose any of them and that is fine too.
People who meditate change
Yes, for the better. They become more empathetic, understanding, tolerant of others and themselves. They are calmer, more compassionate, and accepting. Due to the change of consciousness, they start to look for new friends, something else becomes important to them, they look for different experiences and start setting new priorities. This is the price they have to pay for their development, but it’s also the best gift they give to themselves and humanity.
Now that you understand this practice better, why don’t you give meditation a try? We run free online retreats every month to teach you real meditation, help you master your mind, and achieve anything that you’ve been dreaming of.
