The 5 Meditation Myths

When I first started meditating, I felt like a total loser. I could not sit for longer than 3 minutes, I could not get my mind off how I am going to find a place to live in San Francisco, and the interwebs had confusing answers about meditation.

Getting my thoughts not to wander was almost impossible, and having nothing to do while "sitting" caused me anxiety.

Until I finally let go of my ego, and asked a friend for help.

Fast forward six months later, I meditate every morning (also known as "sitting") and support some friends with their meditation practice.

If you are curious about meditation, intimated by it, or feel like you are failing constantly at it, these 5 myths are for you.

1- Meditation is thinking of nothing 
"So does it mean that you are not allowed to think of anything?" a question I often hear. The answer is no. Meditation is built on compassion towards your self first and foremost. Which means that you cannot beat up yourself when thoughts come to you. Instead you could show them compassion and let them pass. By focusing on the breath they will slowly drift away. And even as your practice progresses thoughts will almost always be there. So do not be discouraged by them.

"It is simply sitting silently, witnessing the thoughts, passing before you. 

 The moment you say “this is good, this 

is bad,” you have already jumped onto the thought process. "

Osho

2- There are meditation rules
The beautiful thing about meditation is that you get to shape your own practice and figure out what works for you. It is one of the most personal acts you can do in your life.
You could start with a guided meditation, or a zen meditation (counting your breaths), visualization, mantra repetition, until you design your own practice. There are no rules in meditation.

3- Meditation's KPI is how long you do it for
Meditation is not a running race. It is a journey with no specific destination. Whether you sit for one minute, or a whole day, it is the act of pausing that matters.
Having said that, what you can identify as success is looking back and assessing changes in yourself and the way you relate to others. One way to do that is through journaling.

4- Meditation is buddhist
Meditation is about you, your body, your emotions, your thoughts, your consciousness. While certain meditation techniques are tied to Buddhism, meditation has existed across civilizations. Think Sufism for example. Having said that, you can make your practice a prayer to any religion if you wish so.
5- When I become a pro, I will start flying
You may feel like flying, but sadly no flying or walking on water guaranteed :)
As you deepen your practice, you can get various spiritual experiences. Some hear melodious sounds in the ears. Some see lights. Some experience that they fly in the air. There cannot be a common experience for all.

Use the comments below to ask questions about meditation, and share tips from your practice.

Read more on the benefit of meditation and how to get started!

Photos credit Celeste Noche