When meditation comes up in conversation, it often becomes clear to me how few people actually understand what it is. Because of false ideas about it, many people write it off before they even give it a fair chance. Meditation is such a broad topic that can be approached from so many different angles. What meditation IS is a conversation that could go on forever. To make things more simple, here are 4 things that meditation is NOT:
1. Effortless
The most common misconception when it comes to meditation is that it is effortless. So often people say, “I can’t meditate. My mind is too busy, I can’t just shut it off.” Can anyone?
Especially when you are first starting, many thoughts will come up. Your mind will wander almost constantly. It is the nature of the human mind to wander. It doesn’t mean you aren’t meditating. Meditation is noticing this, and bringing your focus back to one point, be it your breath, a candle, a mantra, or simply feeling your body.
Some days more than others, the thoughts will be incessant. It seems you are constantly having to bring your attention back, and before you even know it, you find yourself making a grocery list or wondering where the girl on the train got her awesome leggings. But the key is to not get frustrated with yourself. No matter how many times it happens. Just gently guide your mind back. It’s not easy. It’s certainly not effortless. But eventually with more and more practice, the spaces between the thoughts will get bigger and bigger, and soon you will truly start to appreciate the benefits.
2. Withdrawing
Another thing people often think is that when meditating, you go into a sort of trance, when in fact, the opposite is true. Instead of withdrawing from awareness, you actually become hyper aware. You notice everything around you, the sounds, the smells, the way your body feels, but the difference is that you don’t get attached to any one thing. You simply notice, and then let it go. This way, your attention is not being held on anything, so you actually become aware of everything.
3. Particular
Meditation is most often practiced in a comfortable seated position, with a straight spine to allow for the clear flow of energy. However just because this is how meditation is most practiced, doesn’t mean this is the only way. Meditation is focusing the mind on one thing. Many people experience meditation when they are playing music or sports, praying, or doing anything else that requires the full attention of the mind. Often times, people don’t even realize that this is meditation, and are in fact the same people who say they can’t meditate. Find something that works for you, and make it a regular practice.
4. Magic
Wether you have a strong spiritual identification, or none at all, meditation is available to you. Everyone can meditate. Once you let go of your expectations about what it’s “supposed” to feel like, and just surrender to what is, the benefits are limitless. You may never find yourself levitating, but I promise, what you will find is much better.
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