The Top 7 Myths About Meditation
For the uninitiated, there’s a lot of mystery and misconceptions surrounding meditation: some think it’s too long and too challenging, that it’s about fighting the thoughts in your head, or that it can only be done while sitting in an uncomfortable cross-legged position. Actually, none of these are true. What is true about meditation, however, are the incredible benefits a consistent practice can offer: meditation improves sleep, decreases stress and anxiety, and can even reverse mind-wandering. What other myths about meditation are out there? We’re diving into the top seven we consistently hear:
Myth 1
“Meditation is about clearing your mind.”
Meditation means different things for different people, and a beginner’s practice isn’t going to look the same as someone who regularly meditates. The goal isn’t to let go of all of your thoughts, but rather to be mindful of them (and of your emotions and physical sensations too). With time, it will become easier and easier for you to disconnect from the outside world and tune inward.
Myth 2
“Meditation only happens when you’re sitting.”
You don’t need a silent, dark room to be able to meditate. The best thing about this practice is its versatility — it really can be done anywhere you’re able to be without distractions. You can meditate on a walk, when listening to music, lying in bed, or even while drinking tea.
myth 3
“There is not enough time to meditate.”
Meditation is about quality over quantity and you can fit in a calming, renewing session in under 10 minutes. The important thing about meditation is that it becomes part of a consistent routine so that you can fully reap its benefits — if you meditate just now and again, you won’t see the same long-term results. In a study from the University of Waterloo, researchers found that just 10 minutes of daily meditation helped participants reduce traits associated with anxiety, such as “repetitive, off-task thinking.”
myth 4
“You have to close your eyes.”
Think you have to close your eyes to meditate? Think again. Yes, you can still meditate while keeping your eyes open. Visual meditation is the practice of focusing on an image of something rather than on a mantra or guided meditation that focuses on a voice or internal reflection. Some people find that a visual meditation is easier for them to maintain their focus, especially if they are already visually inclined learners. Try our playlist of guided Meditation Journeys on Alo Moves and travel to Iceland, the Pacific Northwest, the jungle, and more.
myth 5
“You need a quiet space to meditate.”
While meditating in a quiet place is most typical, it doesn’t mean it’s the only way you can practice. Sound meditation, where you bring a focused awareness to the noise in your environment, is gaining momentum, although it’s a practice that’s been around for thousands of years (think the Aboriginal tribes in Australia that use the didgeridoo). The science behind the benefits of sound meditation are still in their infancy, but so far, the research looks promising in its ties to improving health and well-being. Try our relaxing sound bath meditations on Alo Moves to see if this style of meditation is for you.
myth 6
“You can be “bad” at meditation.”
Like anything you practice, with time you’ll feel more comfortable. Meditation is no exception, and it is a process of becoming comfortable with yourself, becoming consistent, and finding the type of meditation you like and respond to best. Some days will feel more challenging than others. Even if you catch your mind wandering, you are still practicing awareness and mindfulness by noticing the state of your mind. Get yourself in the right state of mind for meditating by creating a dedicated meditation space at home to practice in — it will ultimately help you stay motivated and be easier for you to keep distractions at bay.
myth 7
“Meditation is only for adults.”
Meditation has no age limit. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents introduce their children to mind-body therapies like yoga and meditation, noting that “the simple act of teaching children how to stop, focus, and just breathe could be one of the greatest gifts you give them.” The research looks promising too; in a trial with 300 low-income minority youth, incorporating mindfulness techniques into their school-based instruction led to lower levels of trauma-associated symptoms and improved levels of psychological functioning.
Ready to begin your meditation journey? Check out our library of online meditation classes on Alo Moves. Get a 14-day free trial here.