Myths in Meditation

While the benefits ofmeditation are seemingly

numerous, well-known, andwidespread, there is still anincredible reluctance across

society to partake. Personally,I think this is largely due to

several pervasive myths thatunfortunately but effectively

modify general beliefregarding meditation. In light

of these misconceptions, Ihave elected to put together a

list of the most prominentmyths so that I can debunk

them with evidence, examples,and substantiation.

You Must Sit Cross-Legged

Ridiculous but widely held as a seeming tenetof meditation, sitting cross-legged is not, in

fact, required for meditation.

An abundance of Hollywood films misrepresentingoriental culture is likely the culprit for this

discouraging perception, and by no means shouldsitting cross-legged continue to be upheld as a

dogma of meditation. You need to be comfortable,and if sitting criss-cross apple sauce is comfortable

for you, then do so; but if not, then don’t!

You must have a blank mind.While, yes, this may be the ultimate goal, it is not, in the slightest, expectedfor newcomers to meditation. To achieve a perfectly blank mental slatetakes time, effort, and practice. It is not something where you can justclose your eyes and miraculously be taken away to a place of pure

tranquility. That’s unrealistic, to say the least.

Actually, a fantastic place to start for beginners is to participate inwhat’s called guided meditation. As the name might imply, you have a mental‘guide’ who keeps you and your potentially easily-distracted mind fromgetting off track. In fact, you don’t even necessarily need a guide in-

person. If you want, it could just be a recording.

You Can only meditate alone.

Absolutely not. While it’s certainly an option, and favored by many at that, thatin no way means it’s the only way to find some peace of mind, especially if you’re

just starting out and are slightly unsure of how to proceed. By joining ameditation group, you are providing yourself with the resources and knowledgeof people who have been successfully meditating for many, many years. There is

no reason to not take advantage, regardless of what some silly notion aboutmeditation may claim.