I am not a Zen Master. I still to this day am unable to sit in meditation for hours upon hours.
But… I am a woman who used to be so against even trying to meditate, who has discovered the BENEFITS and POWER of implementing this mindful practice into my daily life.
Excuses used to consume me…
I don’t have time.
I can’t sit still.
My mind doesn’t shut off.
Can you relate?
Let’s BUST your misconceptions.
#1 I don’t have time.
Meditation can be as simple as setting aside 5-10 minutes in the morning. Meditation can become a part of anyone’s life, if they make it a priority. Some days I meditate for 10 minutes, others 30 minutes. You always have time for something that matters. Make meditation and the benefits matter to you.
“You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day — unless you’re too busy. Then you should sit for an hour.” – Zen Proverb
#2 I can’t sit still.
A common misconception is that meditation requires you to sit in a certain way. The truth is you simply need to be in a position that is comfortable for you. It’s not about the position of your body, it’s about the intentional focus meditation facilitates. You can sit, lay down, or even walk for meditation.
#3 I don’t know how.
There are numerous ways to meditate. Don’t become too attached to the how. Meditation can involve breathing deeply and focusing on your breath or an object. You can close your eyes, breath slowly and deeply, and recite a phrase repeatedly. You can listen to music, or follow a guided meditation. Test the meditation waters and discover what you like. There is no one right way. A simple Google search will illuminate many options.
#4 My mind doesn’t shut off.
Mine doesn’t either! I completely understand, but I have learned
it’s not about shutting your mind off, and according to Deepak Chopra, you
shouldn’t try to. Notice what thoughts
arise, but just let them float by, like clouds in the sky on a windy day. Notice them, but choose to redirect your
focus back to your breath, an object, a mantra, or your guided meditation. Your mind isn’t a light switch, you can’t just flip it on and off, but you can choose to redirect your thoughts intentionally back to your focus.
#5 It takes too long to master meditation, why bother?
I used to associate meditation with the masters of spirituality. I would imagine devout Monks sitting in meditation for days, or even months. According to a study conducted by neuroscientist Richard Davidson, similar brain wavelengths were found between participants who were not experienced with the practice of meditation and Monks, who were viewed as ‘master meditators,’ demonstrating that it was not necessary to be deemed a master to receive the benefits of meditation. Benefits of meditation can be immediate.
Some of the Benefits of Meditation from Research:
· Lowers cortisol (stress hormone)
· Lowers blood pressure
· Elevates oxygen in the blood
· Boosts your immune system
· Improves focus and concentration
· Improves sleep
· Increases happiness
· Increases mindfulness
Now that I have busted your misconceptions about meditation, I would highly encourage you to implement mediation into your daily life.
Be well. Be mindful. Be aware. Be present. Be the best version of you.