Skip to main content

Common Misconceptions About Meditation

4 min read

By Emily Lockhart

With hundreds of circling through your mind from moment to moment, it’s no wonder many seek out the solace of meditation to calm the chaos and live in now.

But what does meditation mean to you? Do you consider mediation a form of escapism or perhaps you avoid it for fear of becoming too selfish, or worse, a hypnotized zombie void of emotions?

Here are eight common misconceptions surrounding meditation…

1. Myth: Meditation is All About Concentration

While it’s certainly true that concentration is a byproduct of regular meditation practice—we don’t actually use concentration to meditate. It’s quite the opposite! Meditation asks us to block out, or limit, mental chatter that can be so overwhelming (i.e., pending appointments, all the chores you need to do, the work piling up at the office, etc.). Meditation is about letting go of earthly obligations, and taking a moment of relaxation in stillness and silence so that you can concentrate better when you are dealing with the stresses of life.

2. Myth: Not Everyone Can Meditate

Meditation is like exercise and like food—there is really a type of mediation to match every goal and taste. So if you have trouble sitting alone in a silent room and blocking out all earthly distractions (a Zen-style of meditation), try exploring other types of meditation—such as Kundalini (or breath) mediation, Qi gong, visualization exercises, or even a walking meditation, which challenges you to be present as you walk, focus on your surroundings, and feel the energy and benefit of exercise on your body and mind.

3. Myth: I’m Bad at Mediation

Blocking out the chaotic thoughts and negative talk in you life can be challenging, and like anything else, practice makes perfect. That’s why no one person is so bad at mediating that they should throw in the towel. I make it a point never to judge my meditation practice by the time and quality of my meditation. Instead, I consider the after affects of my practice—for instance, did I get more work done in the afternoon? Did I sleep better?

4. Myth: Mediation is a Religious Ritual

If mediation brings to mind shorn-headed monks or yogis in robes, sequestered in a far-away monastery or ashram, and void of any earthly possessions—you may be overthinking this! Meditation is available to everyone and anyone who is striving to reconnect with a simpler, more peaceful and less stressful way of life.

5. Myth: Meditation Encourages Escapism

If you fear that meditation is a way of running away from life’s problems—think again! Rather, meditation provides the tools to face and overcome life’s problems (i.e., fear, anxiety, and panic). Mediation practice also teaches us to accept life and people for what and who they are, and provides the inner strength necessary to live in the present with confidence.

6. Myth: I Don’t Have Time to Meditate

Sure, most of us would claim that we don’t have time to add extra obligations to our day. However, even if your spare time is rare, you can benefit from taking a few minutes to unplug and relax. Try leaving the office for a 10-minute walk to forget about work and clear your head, or escape to a gentle yoga class over lunch and return more energetic and focused. Those who say they have no time to meditate can usually benefit the most from a brief time out.

7. Myth: Meditating is Selfish

In order to meditate for even 10-minutes you need to take a bit of time for yourself. For many, that might be considered selfish when it’s time you could be studying, finishing that work report, or spending time with your kids or spouse. If a brief moment of meditation seems self-indulgent to you; consider the effect it will have on others when you return more focused, calm, happier, and able to devote your whole attention to them.

8. Myth: Meditation Strips Us of Real Emotions

The goal of any type of mediation is to help you live and experience the now, including the emotions that come from present experience. The idea that meditation strips us of real emotions is contrary. Rather, meditation practice teaches us to be more in tune with our emotions, our goals, and helps us to disengage from unhealthy negative talk, and emotionally draining people and situations.

Emily Lockhart

Contributor

Emily Lockhart is a certified yoga instructor and personal trainer. She believes that being healthy is a lifestyle choice, not a punishment or temporary fix to attain a desired fitness or body image goal. Anna helps her clients take responsibility for their own health and wellness through her classes and articles on ActiveBeat.

Fitness News & Advice

Explore

How To Jump-Start Your New Year With Cold Weather Running
By Kurt Michael Downes and Kevin Milne Fitness News & Advice

How To Jump-Start Your New Year With Cold Weather Running

As 2024 approaches, many people look to begin the year with resolutions to become more fit. Some people find it challenging to get enthusiastic about outdoor exercise during the winter. However, don’t discount the joys of running in a winter wonderland. It’s accessible, available to all and doesn’t involve gym fees or expensive equipment. Health […]

Read More about How To Jump-Start Your New Year With Cold Weather Running

5 min read

Tracking Daily Step Counts Can Be a Useful Tool for Weight Management — An Exercise Scientist Parses The Science
By Bob Buresh Fitness News & Advice

Tracking Daily Step Counts Can Be a Useful Tool for Weight Management — An Exercise Scientist Parses The Science

Over the last decade, smartphones have become ubiquitous not just for sending texts and staying abreast of news, but also for monitoring daily activity levels. Among the most common, and arguably the most meaningful, tracking method for daily physical activity is step counting. Counting steps is far more than a fad: The U.S. Department of […]

Read More about Tracking Daily Step Counts Can Be a Useful Tool for Weight Management — An Exercise Scientist Parses The Science

6 min read

Aerobic and Strength Training Exercise Combined Can Be an Elixir for Better Brain Health in Your 80s and 90s, New Study Finds
By Brian Ho and Ronald Cohen Fitness News & Advice

Aerobic and Strength Training Exercise Combined Can Be an Elixir for Better Brain Health in Your 80s and 90s, New Study Finds

People in the oldest stage of life who regularly engage in aerobic activities and strength training exercises perform better on cognitive tests than those who are either sedentary or participate only in aerobic exercise. That is the key finding of our new study, published in the journal GeroScience. We assessed 184 cognitively healthy people ranging […]

Read More about Aerobic and Strength Training Exercise Combined Can Be an Elixir for Better Brain Health in Your 80s and 90s, New Study Finds

3 min read