Do you feel your mind is too busy to meditate? An expert busts 7 such meditation myths

How many of you find meditation boring or hard to indulge in because of the picture that popular culture has painted about it? Well, neither it is a religious practice, nor do you always have to sit in the Lotus pose to pursue it. It is such myths about meditation that we intend to bust today, with the help of an expert.

Yes, the virtues of meditation for a calm and healthy mind have been reiterated generations after generations. For those who practice it regularly, it’s a way to internalize, assess and control their emotions. But there’s also a section of people who finds it tedious. Yet, there’s a level of curiosity around it, given the fact that it is a buzzword in the health and wellness space.

Before moving into myths about meditation, let’s find out a little more about this age-old practice.

“In yogic terminology it is called ‘Dhyana’, which is the seventh limb of the 8-fold ashtanga yoga path. As defined by Sage Maharishi Patanjali in Yoga Sutras, a classical & authentic text, meditation is ‘a constant and effortless flow of awareness at a point’. He says that prolonged concentration leads to meditation,” explains Jenil Dholakia, a holistic yoga and well-being coach.

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The expert outlines and clears out some misconceptions associated with mediation.

Myths about meditation

1. Myth: My mind is too busy to meditate

The human mind is always going to be busy, that’s its nature. On an average we have 20,000-50,000 thoughts a day. Don’t let that stop you from meditating. Don’t let anxiety keep you away from it.

2. Myth: Meditation is a religious practice

Meditation is an ancient practice that transcends all religions. Yes, all religions do mention some sort of meditation in their scriptures, but you don’t need to follow any particular religion to meditate.

3. Myth: If I meditate, I will be able to stop all my thoughts

Meditating is not about turning off your thoughts or feelings. It’s about learning to observe them without any judgement or attachment. You are simply watching your thoughts as a witness as they enter and exit.

4. Myth: To meditate, you have to sit for long hours

Once you choose a style of meditation that works best for you, as long as you remain consistent, the duration is irrelevant.

5. Myth: You have to be in Lotus pose/Padmasana to meditate

As long as you are steady and comfortable, any pose is acceptable. You could meditate on the floor, on a chair & even take support of some yoga props to support your posture.

6. Myth: I need to go to a yoga studio to meditate

Mediation can happen anywhere and anytime. It doesn’t require any special equipment or a studio set-up. Wherever you are, you can meditate there

7. Myth: Sleeping is normal during meditation

Meditation is not going off to sleep. It is being very alert and aware, by remaining in the present moment. Sleeping during the process is a sign of a dull mind and a tired body.

Also Read: Here’s your beginner’s guide to meditation

Benefits of meditation

Ultimately, meditation is a way to reduce the fluctuations of your mind, it is a systematic approach of untying the knots of your consciousness, it is coming back to your true nature, your origin, your centre. It is simply being in the here & now.

Adding a regular practice of meditation in your lifestyle can give you many benefits such as;

* It helps to manage mental health
* Builds skills to deal with stress and anxiety
* Improves focus, attention and memory
* Slows cellular aging
* Makes you more kind and loving
* Increases creativity and productivity
* Improves sleep quality
* Helps you develop a heightened sense of self-awareness
* Brings more energy and vitality.

Also Read: Meditation with music: Try it in Rakul Preet’s style

Incorporating meditation in your life can transform your relationship with yourself, with others and the world around you. It’s simple and it’s free. Remember to start small, remain consistent, stay aware and don’t judge your early experience. Don’t let the myths about meditation make you stay away from it.

Happy Meditating!