Do you find meditation difficult? Then it just might surprise you that the "common knowledge" about how to meditate, can often be based on myth and misconception.
Myth #1: You have to free your mind of thoughts.
Tempting as this is to believe, it's simply just not true. Ask any experienced meditator and they'll set you straight. Here's the thing: mind's think! It's what they do. Just as it is the nature of the heart to beat, it is the nature of the mind to think. Thinking is not necessarily a problem — actually, it's rather essential. But problems arise when we give up our power to thoughts — we believe them, react to them and can no longer see them for what they really are. Meditation helps us to get some distance from the incessant train of our thoughts. It enables us to become the watcher of our own mental chattering. We begin to experience an aspect of "self" that is beyond the day-to-day ramblings of our busy minds. As a lovely byproduct of all this, the mind does begin to quieten.
Myth #2: Meditation only works if you do it for an hour, twice per day.
Anyone who tells you exactly how long modern Western meditators should practice to "get results" is simply letting you know what worked for them. It might work for you, but then again, you might be different. Research simply can't yet say what the "optimal dosage" for meditation is for any given individual. Positive changes in brain functioning and wellbeing have been reliably documented in studies employing a dosage of 20 minutes daily.
Myth #3: You have to be able to sit in Lotus position.
Although it might make you look like a yogi, sitting in Lotus is not necessary for meditation. Any upright seated position is ideal, as this helps to keep you awake and alert. What's happening on the outside doesn't necessarily reflect what's going on inside. Be comfortable, stay upright and you've nailed it. If you're struggling with meditation or have concerns about your practice, relax and get some advice. And next time you hear someone repeating these meditation myths, you can set them straight.
Myth #4: Meditation is Concentration
Meditation is actually de-concentration. Concentration is a benefit of meditation. Concentration requires effort and meditation is absolute relaxation of the mind. Meditation is letting go, and when that happens, you are in a state of deep rest. When the mind is relaxed, we can concentrate better.
Myth #5: Meditation, A Religious Practice
Yoga and meditation are ancient practices that transcend all religions. For meditation, there is no bar on any religion. In fact, meditation has the ability to bring religions, nations and faiths together. Just like the sun shines for everyone, and the wind blows for everyone, meditation benefits everyone. “We encourage people from all backgrounds, religions and cultural traditions to come together and meditate in a spirit of celebration,” says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Myth #6: Meditation Is For Old People
Meditation is universal and adds value to lives of people of all age groups. One can start mediating at the age of eight or nine. Just like a shower keeps the body clean, meditation is like the shower for the mind.
Myth #7: Meditation Is Like Hypnotizing Yourself
Meditation is an antidote for hypnosis. In hypnotism, the person is not aware of what he or she is going through. Meditation is complete awareness of each and every moment. Hypnotism takes the person through the same impressions that are in his mind. Meditation frees us from these impressions so that our consciousness is fresh and clear. Hypnotism increase metabolic activity, meditation reduces it. “Those who practice pranayama and meditation regularly cannot be hypnotized easily,” says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Myth #8: Meditation Is Thought Control
Thoughts do not come to us by invitation. We become aware of them only after they have arrived! Thoughts are like clouds in the sky. They come and go on their own. Trying to control thoughts involves effort and the key to a relaxed mind is effortlessness. In meditation, we do not crave for good thoughts nor are we averse to bad thoughts. We simply witness and eventually transcend thoughts and move into that deep inner silent space.
Myth #9: Meditation Is A Way Of Running Away From Problems
On the contrary, meditation empowers you to face problems with a smile. Skills develop in us to handle situations in a pleasant and constructive manner through yoga and meditation. We develop the ability to accept situations as they are and take conscious action instead of brooding over the past or worrying about the future. Meditation nurtures inner strength and self-esteem. It acts like an umbrella during rainy days. Challenges will arise, but we can still move ahead with confidence.
Myth #10: If You Meditate, You Will Become A Sanyasi (Monk or Recluse)
You do not have to give up material life to meditate or progress on the spiritual path. In fact, the quality of your enjoyment improves greatly as you meditate. With a relaxed and peaceful mind, you are able to live happily and make others in your family and surroundings happy too.
Myth #11: You Can Only Meditate At Certain Times, Facing Certain Directions
Anytime is a good time for meditation and all directions are good for meditation. The only thing to keep in mind is that your stomach should not be full; else you may doze off instead of meditating. However, it is a good practice to meditate during sunrise and sunset (morning and evening) as it can keep you calm and energetic throughout the day.