The 7 Most Common Meditation Myths

You’ve all tried meditation, right? Maybe you’ve downloaded an app in lockdown, watched some guided meditations on YouTube, laid down at the end of a yoga class, or maybe even attended a meet up at your local Buddhist centre. But did you know meditation is one of the most misunderstood wellbeing trends? And done right, it can be the most beneficial thing you can learn?

In this article, UK meditation teacher Daniel Conneely, founder of Gen Zen Meditation, breaks down some of the most common myths he hears about meditation.

Meditation Means Sitting Cross Legged With Your Arms Held Out

If this is comfortable for you, then great. But this position is often uncomfortable, painful or impossible for many. Sit upright in a comfy chair with a straight back and your feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes and you’re good to go!

My Mind is Too Busy to Meditate

This is a big one. We have 60–80,000 thoughts a day. Trying to stop an active mind is like trying to stop your heart beating. Thoughts are part of the meditation process, so it’s vital to work with them, not against them. Think of thoughts as stress leaving your body — good meditation teachers teach you how to allow that to happen.

Meditation is the Same as Mindfulness

Mindful meditation involves focusing to calm a busy mind and become present in the moment. This is different from a silent mantra meditation which is different in that it will take that calm mind a step further and transcend beyond thoughts entirely allowing your body the deepest of rest — to de-stress, repair and rejuvenate.

I Can’t Sit Still Long Enough to Meditate

You don’t have to be a statue to meditate. Fidget, readjust, cough, scratch, stretch, look at your watch… it’s your meditation!

Meditation is Religious

Although many traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism take inspiration from the Vedic culture of ancient India, Vedic mantra meditation itself is not religious. Think of meditation as a mental technique, free from any specific belief system.

I’ve Tried Meditation, It Doesn’t Work

I hear this a lot. Maybe you didn’t have the right teacher or have guidance to find the right style of meditation. What I love about Vedic mantra meditation is that it is simple, natural and effortless. And even if you don’t believe it will have any benefit for you, it will still give you all the benefits. It just works. My top tip: find meditation teachers who offer free, no obligation intro talks and connect with them. What have you got to lose?

I Don’t Have Time to Meditate

I get it. We’re all busy, but once you realise the physical and mental benefits on offer it will become just as important as showering or brushing your teeth. Make it a 15-20 minute non-negotiable activity every morning when you start out (and try 20 mins less social media a day!).

Conclusion

My advice to people taking our Learn to Meditate course is 'be easy' with it. You can be flexible and creative with your practice and learn that whatever happens in meditation is exactly what is supposed to happen at that moment in time. No pressure. I teach meditation with a beautiful Sanskrit word in mind - sukshma - which means subtlety, faintness and effortlessness. Meditation should be free and easy. I don't like 'activating' words like try, focus, force, control, effort... this is way too much effort which can lead to frustration if we are not achieving a perceived goal. Meditation should be deactivating - deactivate the mind and deactivate the body. That's how we get that deep rest we so crucially need - with sukshma.

Daniel Conneely is a UK-based meditation teacher and breathwork instructor and founder of Gen Zen Meditation. If you're interested in learning to meditate, check out the Learn to Meditate course options and dates on www.genzenmeditation.com. For retreats, events, classes and workshops check out the events tab. For corporate wellbeing and workplace wellness options visit the corporate tab. Questions to hello@genzenmeditation.com