Meditation Myths

Many people, when they think of meditation, think of Buddhist monks sitting on the floor for hours chanting OM. While this is one way to meditate, it is not the only way to meditate and, frankly, there really is no wrong way to meditate.

Read on for our meditation myth busting!

Myth: I have to sit on the floor with my legs crossed in order to meditate.
Truth: You can meditate in any position! Standing, sitting, lying down or even while doing your yoga poses! Find a position that is comfortable for you and that you can maintain for a the time you want to meditate. If you are afraid you may fall asleep and you don't want to fall asleep, pick a position that is a little less comfortable. If you cannot sit still, stand, or even walk or move around.

Myth: I have to have special equipment like a mat, meditation bench and a specific place to go to when I meditate.
Truth: All you need to be able to meditate is you! Any place you find yourself where you can take a few moments to meditate is fine. Some people use restroom breaks for moments of meditaiton. Others will sit in their cars before they start driving or after they have arrived at their destination and take a few moments to calm and center themselves. Others will meditate while standing in line or on a break at their desks.

Myth: I have to chant something specific, like OM, when I meditate.
Truth: Some people find it easier to concentrate if they chant while they meditate but it is not necessary. If you want to chant you can do it out loud or you can think it. Some people count their breaths. Others say a poem or prayer that they know by heart. Find what works best for you and your situation.

Myth: I have to have an candle or insense burning when I meditate.
Truth: If you want to stare at a candle to help your concentration or if you enjoy the smell of insense and are in a situation where you can safely burn it, by all means do so, but do not feel like either one is necessary for meditation.

Myth: I have to keep my eyes open when I meditate.
Truth: If you have a object you can look at that helps to calm and center you, you can use that as a focal point when you meditate. If you find that you are too easily distracted then feel free to close your eyes if you can do so safely.

Myth: I have to listen to New Age music or have absolute silence while I meditate .
Truth: Many times when we grab a moment to meditate there is no music and certainly not silence. Part of meditating is being aware of your surroundings which will include all kinds of sounds. If you like New Age music or are lucky enough to have a place that offers relative quiet you are welcomed to use them in your meditation practice.

Have any to add? Email us at meditationMyths@timeformeditation.com

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