Common Meditation Myths You Should Avoid Like the Plague
Common Meditation Myths You Should Avoid Like the Plague
Meditation has been proven to lower blood pressure, induce a sense of calm and reduce stress in a number of studies. However, despite its virtues, many people are hesitant to pick it up due to the things they have heard or read about this ancient practice.
Here, we will address some of the common misconceptions about meditation that have confused many newbies and even some experienced meditators:
1. It takes a long time to reap any benefits from meditation
This is probably one of the biggest stumbling blocks for many people, but a study conducted by the University of North Carolina suggested that subjects can see significant improvement in concentration and other critical cognitive skills by meditating as little as four days. But of course, to reap long-term benefits from meditation, you'll need to stick to your practice.
2. Meditation is a practice for Buddhists only
While meditation has its roots closely linked to Buddhism, meditation in its essence is not restricted to any religion. It doesn't require you to believe in any religious icons or figureheads. In addition, meditation doesn't require you to give up your existing religious belief either. Take the example of one fundamental meditation technique called breathing meditation. This meditation only asks that you pay your full attention on your breathing. How 'religious' can that be? Though there are some forms of meditation that require the visualization of religious icons, they are completely optional.
3. Meditation takes up too much time
If you think you need to spend hours on ends meditating in a cave like a hermit, banish that thought. Twenty minutes of daily practice is all you need to focus on your breaths and center yourself. If you're really short for time, even a short ten-minute sitting is better than nothing.
4. Meditation requires one to sit uncomfortably
The full lotus position is a classic pose for meditation, but that doesn't mean you must do it. Forcing yourself into an uncomfortable or even painful position will only hinder your ability to concentrate and defeat the purpose of meditation. For people who suffer from joint problems, sitting cross-legged can also be a real problem, even if it's only for fifteen minutes. In these cases, you can try half-lotus, sitting on a chair, or even meditate while lying down. It's important to find a position that's suitable for you, but yet not so comfortable that you fall asleep. But regardless of how you meditate, do not compromise your posture for comfort. Always keep your spine and neck upright and neutral to prevent injuries to your back.
5. Meditation messes with the mind
Let's get this straight: meditation is not the same as hypnosis, and it doesn't put you in a trance. When you meditate, you remain in full control of yourself. It's totally different from being hypnotized, when one is more opened to external suggestions and influences.
6. Meditation is a form of escapism
Some people have the notion that meditation is a way to detach themselves from their thoughts, desires or emotions so that they will become indifference to them. That is not meditation, it is self-denial. Because doing so only separates us further from our feelings and thoughts, when what we really need is to get in touch with them and make peace with them so that we can better understand them. In meditation, we are not trying to run away from ourselves. On the contrary, we are trying to get as close to our true self as we possibly can.
After having busted the myths you may have about meditation, are you ready to learn meditation now? If you are, click on this How to Meditate for Beginners guide to get started. While you are at it, don't forget to check out the library of free meditation articles available on the same site to enhance your meditation practice. May your meditation practice bears you lasting fruits for this life and beyond.
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