1. You’re supposed to think of ‘nothing’
When starting a meditation practice, it’s common to assume we’re supposed to have a completely silent and clear mind – and unless that happens, we‘re not doing it ‘properly’. Even those who have had some meditation experience may label any arising thoughts as ‘distractions’. Well, the truth is; those uncomfortable or difficult thoughts are not a distraction from the path or the practice – they are the practice. When we allow ourselves to be still for a moment, the thoughts we try to run away from inevitably catch up with us. It’s when we face these thoughts and fears that true transformation begins to happen. By listening to ourselves and dealing with what we have to work with and what we truly are, we can then begin to find a peaceful mind.
2.You have to find a ‘silent’ place.
Let’s face it; there aren’t a lot of places we can go to which are truly silent and peaceful – you may not have time in your day to retreat to your own meditation space, free from external distraction. The good news is that you don’t need to.
Through meditation, we can really cultivate a sense of inner peace – and from there, we can go to this place of stillness wherever we are. Apps like ‘headspace’ also allow us to practice meditation wherever we are. Meditate on the train, in the park or on your lunch break…. Just don’t try doing it while driving in the car….
3.You have to be a hippy/vegan/yogi/*insert other stereotype here*
One of the most common misconceptions about meditation – and yoga for that matter – is that you have to be any of the above to give it a try. Of course, this isn’t true – and meditation practices have now been introduced to corporate businesses, sports teams, and schools as a way of improving personal wellbeing and performance. With meditation becoming more of a well known practice; consider joining the likes of Russell Brand, Moby, Ringo Starr, Rupert Murdoch, Edward Saatchi, Clint Eastwood and Martin Scorsese, who are just a few successful and well known people who all meditate at least once a day.
4. You haven’t got time
If you have time to be on the internet reading blog posts about meditation, then you definitely have time for meditation….
As we said earlier – you can meditate on the train, at lunch, or wherever else you find yourself. Meditation doesn’t have to take hours – just checking in with yourself for a few minutes a day is enough to make a difference. Our minds are usually a lot busier than we really are, so by bringing some stillness to the mind, we’re much more likely to notice that we aren’t quite as ‘busy’ as we first thought.
5. You have to sit in lotus position, with your eyes closed….
Besides the fact that padmasana or ‘lotus pose’ is near enough impossible for many people; there are plenty of other ways to find a meditative state other than sitting formally and closing your eyes.
Studies have shown that activities such as knitting, painting, running (for those who actually enjoy running), swimming, drawing, or being with a pet can also alter our state of mind and induce meditative qualities. So, if you’re not the type to sit down and practice meditation the traditional way, try reaping the benefits by choosing a meditative activity.
So whether you’re a seasoned meditation practitioner, or are still waiting to see what all the fuss is about; open your mind to the possibility that meditation could be just the thing you’re looking for, no matter who you are.
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