Meditation myths busted

Zen 12

Meditation is surrounded by myths and is often confused or misunderstood.

Here are 12 of the most common myths and the reality:


  1. You have to be religious to meditate

Myth busted: Although meditation has been around for centuries and forms a part of many religions but you don’t have to be religious to practice it. Meditation isn’t about worshiping something but going within yourself to calm your mind and body.

  1. You have to chant mantras

Myth busted: You don’t have to chant a mantra! If you want to you can use a word or a phrase that means something to you or resonates with you. For example, love, peace, happy etc.

  1. You have to meditate for hours!

Myth busted: we live in a 24 hour society and meditating for hours at a time is not even a remote possibility for most of us but the good news is that you can benefit by starting to meditate from just a few minutes a day. Just try and make it a regular practice.

  1. You have to sit in an uncomfortable cross legged position!

Myth busted: Find the most comfortable position for you to meditate. Meditation should be a joy not a punishment! Many people with physical limitations meditate and make adjustments. If possible, try and stay upright but at the end of the day do what works for you.

  1. Meditation is just for old people

Myth busted: People of all ages from childhood up can benefit from meditation.

  1. My mind is too busy

Myth busted: The goal of meditation is not to stop thinking but to control your thoughts. When thoughts enter your mind acknowledge them and let them go. You can use an object like a candle to help you focus or simply return your focus back to concentrating on your breathing.

  1. Meditation is hard work

Myth busted: It can be frustrating in the beginning as your mind may keep wandering but it will can easier if you persevere. If your mind wanders than simply just bring it back to focusing on your breathing.

  1. People use meditation as a form of escapism

Myth busted: When you meditate you are not escaping to a weird place where problems do not exist. What meditation does is gives you inner strength and the ability to see problems differently.

  1. meditation hypnotize you

Myth busted: In reality meditation makes you more alert and aware whereas hypnosis changes your state so that you aren’t aware of what you are doing.

  1. You must only meditate in the morning

Myth busted: Most people find the morning the best time to mediate before the day starts yet other people prefer meditating at night and calming their mind before they go to sleep. Simply find a time that works for you.

  1. Isn’t meditation mind control?

Myth busted: Only you can control your mind. Meditation is about observing your thoughts, whether they are positive or negative and letting your mind become calm and quiet.


  1. Meditation is just another way to relax

Myth busted: People can relax in many different ways from reading a book, watching TV, listening to music, playing sport or through hobbies but meditation is the only way to get complete relaxation of both your mind and your body.

There are so many benefits to meditating. Remove any obstacles or reservation you have and give it a go. Your health and happiness will thank you for it.

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