Meditation Myths and Tips for Starting Out

There is so much information out there on meditation. This kind of meditation and that kind of meditation.  When it comes to the topic, things can get quite confusing! 

I first became interested in it quite a few years ago. I would go on YouTube, find something that suited me for the time being, and then make an attempt. I was expecting this vivid journey, visions, an “out of body” kind of experience maybe. Since I obviously did not achieve this the one or two times I had attempted it. It kind of fell to the background in my life. It was something that would pop up, and then as quick as it came up, it would be gone. 

A few years ago I was desperate for some peace. I couldn’t live my life the way that I had any longer. I was making myself miserable. One day, I decided that I would try it out again. No expectations. I was just going to do it and I made it a point to myself to keep on doing it. 

So began my practice of meditating. I started out with guided meditations on YouTube and graduated to basically anything I wanted along those lines that made me feel good. I suggest starting out with guided meditations if you have trouble focusing and quieting your mind.  

Along my journey I have learned a lot about it and although I am no expert, I wanted to share a few myths and give some tips about meditation. Especially for beginners. 

Ready set go!

1.  In order to meditate, you need to sit in the lotus position (Indian style or the more complicated, more pretzel looking version)

        -There is no right or wrong way to “sit” if you want to try to meditate. You can do it standing up, laying down, or any other position that feels most comfortable to you.

2.  You must not think about anything. Whatsoever. No ifs ands or buts. 

        -As I said before, there is no right or wrong way to meditate. There are different kinds of meditation. Whatever is easiest for you to do and whatever is best for your situation and what you are trying to achieve is always going to be okay. I have found that whatever comes more natural is what I shall do. If my mind won’t shut up, I’ll mantra it out. Other times my mind is more at peace, and I’ll focus on trying to not think of anything. Other times thoughts are coming and I can’t focus well and I’ll just let my mind wander without judgment on my part, being the observer of said thoughts.

3.  You need to focus on your body too. And start with relaxing one body part at a time. 

        -Although I love when I can achieve this kind of relaxation, it’s not necessary in order to meditate. It does feel good when you have your body relaxed in such a way as well though.

4.  You need to have a quiet place. No distractions. 

        -It is helpful to be in a peaceful area when you do it. But it’s not necessary.  Let’s say you’re on a walk and you hear city noises in the distance, but your focusing on your walking, maybe even your breathing too, or your mind is clear during this time. You’re meditating and you don’t even know it!

 5. You need to do all of the above and maybe some other things (it all depends on the source of your information) in order to be successful at meditation. 

     – Success in meditation comes when you’re no longer concerned with your success at it.  But for real though, there is no success or failure at this. Try it out and just keep going with it!

If you’re first starting out and you have an over active monkey brain, try you-tubing guided meditations. This helps with your focus. With time you’ll find it easier to do. Then try out isochronic tones and binaural beats. Some of the beats also help focus.  

If this is something that you are new at, don’t give up!  Keep on going, keep on trying!  All it takes is 5 minutes a day to keep your monkey brain away 😉

You’ll find success when you stop thinking about whether you are successful or not.