Meditation myths busted!

MYTH NUMBER ONE
You must have a quiet mind to meditate

This is probably the biggest myth about meditation!

Thoughts are completely normal. Even as a regular meditator experiencing thoughts and monkey mind is something I experience in my practice. What meditation provides is an opportunity to bring a conscious awareness to those thoughts. From here we can choose to create space and distance from the thoughts and simply observe them. This practice often gives us a deeper insight into our life and the ability to make clearer choices.

The more you practice meditation the more you will experience greater periods of stillness. Don’t forget, just like training a muscle to lift a heavy weight at the gym - meditation is all about training your mind to experience deeper levels of consciousness.

Every time you sit to meditate (even if your mind is busy) you are making small yet profound and cumulative changes to your mind which in turn enrich your life.

MYTH NUMBER TWO
You need time to meditate

If sitting down and taking three deep breaths is all the time you have…then do it! A simple pause is sometimes all we need to create space and break the trance of stress, anxiety and overwhelm. If you want to experience more significant shifts in your mindset and state of consciousness then longer meditations are necessary. But I always say - start where you are!

MYTH NUMBER THREE
Meditation is an act of self absorption

Scientific studies have found that people who meditate are more present in life, more open to connect with others, have deeper relationships, are more compassionate and more engaged with those around them. Personally I can 100% attest to that! Meditation has been a powerful tool in allowing me to connect better with those around me.

So, while the act of meditation involves directing our attention inwards it is apparent that the benefits of a having a meditation practice extend far beyond the self. Want to be a better lover, friend, citizen of the world? Meditate! ;)

MYTH NUMBER FOUR
Meditation is all about escaping reality

There are meditations, such as guided visualisations that may take the meditator on a journey of the imagination. But for many meditators the purpose of their practice is to tune in, gain deeper awareness and understanding of the life that is here. This may involve becoming aware of thoughts, stories or beliefs that no longer serve you and letting them go so that you can experience a state of pure consciousness. Such experiences can leave meditators feeling more grounded, less triggered and more clear about their life.

MYTH NUMBER FIVE
Meditation is a spiritual practice

You do not have to be spiritual or religious to practice meditation. Meditation is an incredible tool that supports those with high stress levels, anxiety or overwhelm to relax, calm their mind and body down. Some of the reasons people meditate include to improve: sleep, resilience, stress management, health and general wellbeing.