Have you ever thought about meditating but dismissed the idea, thinking you’re not the "meditator type"? You're not alone.
Many of us have ideas about meditation that prevent us from trying it out. But what if we told you that these were just myths and that anyone can learn to meditate?
In this article, we'll debunk some common myths about meditation and explain why everyone can benefit from this simple practice.
Myth #1: Meditation is about stopping your thoughts.
Contrary to popular belief, meditation is not about stopping your thoughts.
It's not about forcing your mind to be blank or empty.
In fact, that's almost impossible to do. Thoughts will always arise, no matter how hard you try to suppress them.
Instead, meditation is about observing your thoughts without getting caught up in them. It's about learning to be present and aware of what's happening in your mind and body, without judgment or attachment.
Myth #2: You have to know how to be quiet in order to meditate.
Another misperception about meditation is that you have to know how to be quiet in order to meditate. It is as if we said you need to be flexible so you can start practicing Yoga.
It actually works the opposite way. You don’t have to be quiet to meditate. Meditating will help you learn to be quiet.
With time, regular meditation practice helps bring about a deep, light, joyful quiet that is part of our natural state.
This is why meditation is often recommended for people who suffer from ADHD and anxiety: we meditate because it helps!
You don’t need to be quiet to sit. Sitting will make you quieter.
Myth #3: Meditation is only for spiritual people.
Some people believe that meditation is a spiritual practice.
While it's true that meditation has roots in many spiritual traditions, some practices, especially mindfulness, can also be practiced as secular practices: tools for mental, physical and emotional well-being.
Various Meditation techniques, from observing your thoughts to reciting mantras, have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, increase emotional resilience, and even improve cardiovascular health and the immune system as well as lower blood pressure and attention deficit disorders.
It has also been shown to improve sleep quality, reduce symptoms of depression, and enhance overall well-being.
So you don’t have to be spiritual to meditate. You can also just learn to sit quietly in order to improve your life quality.
Myth #4: You have to sit cross-legged on the floor to meditate.
Many people think that you have to sit cross-legged on the floor to meditate.
While this is a common posture for meditation, and that if the body is flexible enough, it may be the most comfortable on the long run, it's not the only one.
You can meditate sitting in a chair with feet on the floor, lying down, or even standing up.
The key is to find a posture in which your spine is straight without tension, a posture that allows you to be comfortable and relaxed, so that you can stay present and still for the duration of your meditation.
You too can meditate!
You see: anyone can learn to meditate, regardless of their background, beliefs, or personality.
I hope this article has inspired you- and those around you to try this simple yet powerful practice!
It’s as simple as pausing and learning to be more present. Then life tastes so much better!
The key is in doing.
So why not give it a try today?
You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
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