The benefits of meditation have been researched and documented time and again. Not only does regular meditation elevate your mood and strengthen your focus, but it can literally restructure your brain. By allowing your subconscious to take a backseat while your higher-self takes the reigns, you can develop a higher capacity for emotional regulation, experience greater memory function, eradicate symptoms of depression and anxiety and enhance your overall well-being.
What’s stopping you from incorporating meditation into your daily life? Scroll through the five most common meditation misconceptions so you can start your journey toward enlightenment.
Misconception #1:
“I’m just not the type of person who meditates.”
Okay, so maybe you’re not seeking enlightenment. But are you looking for relief from stress or hoping to improve your focus? The benefits of practicing meditation and mindfulness are not reserved for any specific type of person. Anyone can, and should, do it. Meditation does not require you to be religious or even spiritual. It only requires you to be present in the moment. Stillness is a learned behavior, not an instinct. Just like any behavior that is valuable in life, practice makes perfect.
Misconception #2:
“I’m not stressed out or upset right now. I don’t need to meditate.”
Meditation is not a tool only to be used when you’re feeling low. It’s been proven that meditation can better equip you to regulate your emotions. That means all of your emotions, not just the negative ones! Treat meditation as a habit, just like brushing your teeth at night. Do it no matter how you’re feeling.
Misconception #3:
“I don’t have time to turn my mind off. There aren’t enough hours in the day!”
You should carve out a specific amount of time to devote to meditation each day, whether it be two minutes or forty-five. This should be a time you look forward to no matter how busy you are. The practice of meditating should be ritualistic, something you look forward to, like your morning cup of coffee. A two-minute break between work activities can give you the momentum you need to get through the day.
Short on time? Try micro-meditating. Take a moment to breathe deeply, notice your surroundings and absorb the energy in the room. Now, set your intention or mentally repeat a mantra. Take another deep breath and conquer the rest of your work day!
Misconception #4:
“Meditation just doesn’t work for me! I get too distracted.”
Don’t get mad at yourself if your mind wanders while you meditate. Instead, take note of any thought that emerges, then let it gently fade away. Judging yourself for simply having a thought will only distract you more. Thoughts are inevitable. Don’t beat yourself up for having them while you’re meditating. This is counterintuitive to your practice and will only distract you more from being in the present moment.
Misconception #5
“I don’t need someone to show me how to meditate, it’s self-explanatory.”
Sure, meditation sounds simple enough. But in practice, releasing your thoughts in order to become fully absorbed in the present moment can be challenging. However, with proper guidance, mistakes can be avoided and with regular meditation, you can expect your quality of life to improve greatly. Experienced mindfulness and meditation experts can provide helpful, specialized tips to help you get the most out of your meditative experience.
Schedule an appointment at Empathic Practice today to learn the most effective mindfulness and meditation techniques that you should incorporate in your daily life.