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.
