10 Meditation Myths

There’s not a singular path to stillness; there are many. Just like each of us likes different styles of music or movies, meditation is not “one size fits all.”

Believing any of these myths can keep you from making meditation your own:

1. RIGID – In fact, it’s just the opposite. Meditation is fluid. Though it’s best to practice meditation as you begin your day, before checking email or engaging your mind fully in your to-do list, you can meditate at any time throughout the day.

2. RELIGIOUS – It’s an ancient practice, over 5,000 years old, which transcends religion or can bring you closer to your faith. It’s a practice that fosters listening to that still small voice inside.

3. SITTING IN A LOTUS POSITION – If that works for you, great, but whatever posture helps your body be comfortably still enough to listen is perfect. Lying down is okay, as long as you don’t fall asleep. You can even practice meditation standing.

4. LONG AND PAINFUL – You can arrive into stillness in one minute or after a few mindful breaths. And some days you’ll find connection faster than others.

5. EXCLUSIVE – Yoga is not just for monks. It’s available to all, regardless of age, background or training.

6. HARD – On the other hand, it’s not easy. It’s like any other skill you want to cultivate; it takes practice and patience.

7. A CURE-ALL – Sometimes you might even feel worse before you feel better. Bearing witness to your stream of thoughts can be disheartening at first, but soon you learn to be more conscious about your real truth.

8. ELUSIVE – Everyone has five minutes in their day to meditate. Saying you don’t have time is delusional. In fact, the more time you spend in meditation, the more time you will have because it helps with concentration and focus.

9. NON-THINKING – It’s impossible to completely empty the mind. It is possible to slow the thoughts and experience more gaps between them. Even if you feel you’ve been thinking throughout your whole practice, it’s still beneficial.

10. OM’ING – While you may choose to use the mantra “OM,” that’s not a requirement. Mantra meditation is just one of many types available.

Meditation can be misunderstood, and many miss out on its benefits by holding one or more of these beliefs.