Meditation has been around for thousands of years and is scientifically proven to have many benefits. But there are still plenty of myths and misconceptions about this ancient practice.
Here are the top 7 myths about meditating.
Myth: Meditation is just for religious people.
Anyone can meditate, regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs. Meditation is simply a technique to help quiet the mind and relax the body. While meditation has its roots in spiritual and some religious practices, it is not exclusive to these groups. Anyone can practice meditation, regardless of their beliefs or background.
Myth: You need to have a quiet mind to meditate.
The goal of meditation is actually not to clear your mind completely, but rather to observe your thoughts without judgment. Believe it or not, it's normal for your mind to wander during meditation.
Myth: You need to be in a quiet, peaceful environment to meditate.
While it's ideal to meditate in a quiet environment when first starting out, with practice you’ll be able to meditate just about anywhere whether it's waiting to board your flight or in your office.
Myth: You need to meditate for hours to see results.
Just five minutes of meditation a day can have a positive impact on your mental health and well-being. Did you know that meditation can improve your sleep? According to a study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine, it found that a mindfulness meditation practice can improve sleep quality.
Myth: You need to sit cross-legged on the floor to meditate.
Sitting cross-legged is a popular meditation posture, but it’s not the only one. You can meditate in any position that is comfortable for you whether it's sitting in a chair, lying down, or even walking.
Myth: Meditation is boring.
Some people assume that meditation is dull and tedious. However, meditation gives you an opportunity to connect with yourself, cultivate inner peace and happiness, especially when you find the meditation practice that works best for you.
Myth: You need special tools to meditate
All that you need to start is a quiet place to focus your attention and your mind. Focusing on your breath is the simplest form of meditation that you can do.
The simplicity of meditation is that it can be done by anyone, anywhere, at any time just by relaxing and breathing. The most important thing is to be comfortable.
There are many myths and misconceptions about the practice of meditation that can prevent people from giving it a try. By addressing some of them, I hope that you’re encouraged to give meditation a try and see how it can enhance your life.