If you think meditation is about emptying your mind, think again. Here are some of the most common misconceptions dispelled!

Myth #1: You have to completely clear your mind to have a successful meditation practice

It isn’t is not about emptying our mind and stopping our thoughts – this actually creates more stress for ourselves! We can’t stop or control our thoughts, but we can decide how much attention to give them. We can choose where we want to direct our attention and what we do with them. For example, meditation can be picturing all your thoughts as leaves on a stream or clouds in the sky.

Myth #2: I don’t have enough time to meditate

You don’t need to spend hours in meditation in order to reap the benefits of this practice. It really can only take a couple of minutes a day- you can even do one-minute practices throughout your day! If we make time for us to practice, you’ll notice the benefits even with a couple minutes a day. Perhaps even schedule it into your day or put it on your calendar. Remember, just a few minutes is better than none! Here are some simple ways you can start a mindfulness practice with easy things you already do daily.

Myth #3: Meditation is a spiritual or religious practice

Not necessarily. Meditation is a practice that takes us beyond our mental chatter to a place of peace with the present moment. It doesn’t require any specific spiritual or religious beliefs. It only requires a specific intention or motivation to why you want to meditate. For some that could be for religious or spiritual reasons. For others, it could simply be a way to think and act in intentional ways. You can create a practice that works for you and whatever your reason to start is valid!

Myth #4: Meditation is difficult

It shouldn’t be. This myth is rooted in the image of meditation looking a certain way. Possibly as an esoteric practice reserved for those who can spend hours in silence. In reality, when you learn practices from knowledgeable and experienced folx, it is accessible, easy, and enjoyable to learn. Detach yourself from what it’s supposed to look like. Let go of what the results or outcomes are and instead stay focused and curious about your experience. Try different techniques and teachers to see what resonates with you. You can decide what types of meditation techniques work best for you.

Myth #5: It doesn’t do anything!

It actually does a whole lot. There is a TON of research suggesting a daily or weekly practice boosts whole-body wellness. Here are just a few benefits:

• Relaxes the nervous system, thereby reducing psychological stress.
• Provides a natural method to manage anxiety, depression, and stress in our life
• Restores balance to digestion system functioning, aiding absorption of nutrients
• Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
• Generates optimism, self-confident, self-esteem, and motivation
• Enhance self-awareness