Meditation: the Myths and the Questions
Have a listen to what our meditation teacher Kerry has to say about meditation, a really great read!
As meditation finds more popularity in these times there are still a lot of questions and myths behind the practice. Here we are going to explore some of these and hopefully you’ll see that meditation is for everyone, and yes that does mean you!
Okay so a common misconception it seems is that meditation is only for the those who are religious or spiritual, wrong!
Yes, while it is used by those who are religious and spiritual, it is also for those who have no beliefs also. You don’t need to be seeking enlightenment to enjoy the relaxing and peaceful benefits of the practice as there are many types of meditation to enjoy (more on this later)
Time! I’ve heard people state that they simply don’t have enough time to meditate when in fact they have plenty time to do it. Think of your schedule, how much time are spending watching TV or browsing on your phone? This is all time that could be spent in a meditation. Even if it’s just a fleeting 10- or 15-minutes spare, it could be spent in meditation. Those who think they don't have to meditate are those that need to do it the most!
Impatience is another key factor, expecting to have this mastered in your first attempt is unrealistic and does not mean that you are a failure at doing it. Like anything new, it takes time and patience, and even seasoned meditators will have days where they are distracted. Remember we are only human, and some days are harder than others, don’t be discouraged by this. Everyone has the ability to meditate and it’s all about training, e.g., you wouldn’t expect to run a marathon without prior training so think of it as the same thing!
“There’s no way I can sit in the lotus position, it’s to uncomfortable so there’s no point in trying”.
You absolutely do not have tie yourself in knots to meditate, go with what is comfortable for you. You can sit on a cushion cross legged; you can sit in a chair or even lie down if that is all you can manage. I have a meditation cushion and they offer great support for positioning if you want to go cross legged. Sometimes I lie down on an acupressure mat. Concentrate on your own practice and not what everyone else is doing.
Meditation is not one size fits all either, there are different types of practice to try to see what fits best with you.
Mindfulness Meditation: This encourages to be in the present moment and detach ourselves from the past and future. It’s the foundation of all meditation practices.
Breath Meditation: A type of mindful meditation where the breath is the focal point. You can focus on the feel of the breath whether that be in your chest, diaphragm or the sensation of the air in your nostrils. Counting the breath to give you a focus, it’s a great exercise if you’re feeling anxious.
Mantra Meditation: You can create your own mantra if you desire or look for inspiration online. If you want to go traditional you can learn Sanskrit ones as well. The choice is yours, again go with what feels right for you. It’s a great exercise if you need to focus on self-love and positivity.
Chanting Meditation: Generally done with background music that is aimed at relaxation. You may feel self-conscious doing this at first in case people are listening but it’s a beautiful practice and one of my favourite ways to meditate.
Zazen Meditation: More suited for those on a spiritual path as this would be practiced with a Buddhist teacher. The goal is to observe thoughts without judgement and does require more discipline.
Transcendental Meditation: Again, this would practiced with a teacher and is again a spiritual path that requires a lot of discipline. It is all about rising above our state being and connecting to our highest self.
Metta Meditation: A meditation of kindness and compassion towards ourselves and others. Repeat a few positive phrases to yourself and then you can switch those to goodwill to others, so replacing the I with You. Great for those who feel anger and resentment.
As you can see there is a practice out there to suit everyone, you don’t need to spend hours cross legged to enjoy the benefits. Soak up the benefits of feeling more relaxed, sleeping better and feeling less stress. It needn’t cost anything and can be done anywhere and anytime.
What are you waiting for?
To find out more about Kerry - visit our instrutor section.