Meditation has been practised for centuries as a way to focus and calm the mind. In recent years, meditation has become increasingly popular as a way to reduce stress and improve overall health.
Most people follow the wrong meditation practices and say they didn’t receive the expected results. The most common reason for this is that many people believe that they need to control their thoughts to meditate successfully, which is a wrong approach.
Meditation is not about controlling your thoughts; it’s about letting go of them. If you try to control your thoughts, you’ll only end up frustrating yourself.
In this article, we’ll share 10 things that you should NOT do when meditating. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be able to get the most out of your meditation practice.
1. Don’t try to silence your thoughts
When you start meditating, you’ll likely find that your mind is very noisy. You may have all sorts of thoughts, worries, and concerns running through your head.
Don’t try to silence your thoughts or push them away. This will only make them louder. Instead, simply observe your thoughts as they come and go. Don’t judge them or get attached to them; just let them be.
2. Don’t get frustrated
It’s important to remember that meditation is a process. It takes time and practice to learn how to quiet the mind.
Don’t get frustrated if you can’t seem to silence your thoughts. Just keep practising, and eventually, you’ll find that your mind gets quieter and quieter.
3. Don’t try to force it
Meditation should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Don’t try to force it or push yourself too hard. If you’re getting tense or anxious, take a break and return to it later.
Also, don’t worry if you can’t meditate for long periods of time at first. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the length of time you meditate.
4. Don’t worry about doing it perfectly
There is no such thing as perfect meditation. Just do your best and let go of any expectations or preconceived notions about what it should be like.
5. Don’t get discouraged
If you have a bad meditation session, don’t get discouraged. Meditation is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way.
Just keep practising, and eventually, you’ll find that your mind gets quieter and quieter.
6. Don’t try to multitask
Meditation is a practice that requires your full attention. Don’t try to meditate while also doing other things, such as working or watching television.
Give yourself the time and space to focus solely on your meditation. This will help you get the most out of it.
7. Don’t get too comfortable
Don’t get too comfortable. If you’re sitting in a comfortable position, you may find it harder to focus and stay awake. Try to find a balance between comfort and alertness.
Also, meditation is not about falling asleep. If you find yourself getting drowsy, it’s OK to open your eyes and take a break.
8. Don’t get attached to the results
Don’t get attached to the idea of what you think meditation should do for you. Meditation is its own reward. The goal is simply to be present at the moment and to let go of your thoughts. So, do not get disappointed if you don’t experience some grandiose results.
9. Don’t compare yourself to others
Everyone’s meditation practice is different. Don’t compare yourself to others or try to achieve some ideal. Just focus on your own journey and progress. Also, be patient with yourself. Meditation takes time and practice to master.
10. Don’t give up
Meditation is a lifelong practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practising, and eventually, you’ll find that your mind gets quieter and quieter.
If you struggle with meditation, plenty of resources are available to help you. Books, websites, classes, and even apps can guide you through the process.
Don’t give up on your meditation practice. Just keep at it, and eventually, you’ll start to see the benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Wrong Ways of Meditation
1. Can everyone meditate?
Meditation is a skill that can be learned by anyone. Though it may take some time and practice to quiet the mind, with patience and consistency, anyone can achieve a successful meditation practice.
There are many different types of meditation, so finding the right one for you is key. If you’re just starting out, guided meditations can be a great way to ease into practice.
There are plenty of free resources online, or you can find a class in your area. With regular practice, you’ll start to notice better focus, reduced stress levels, and an overall sense of calmness and well-being.
2. Is meditating complicated?
It’s not complicated. In fact, meditation is a very simple practice that anyone can do. All you need is a quiet place to sit or recline and some peace of mind.
Most people find that meditating becomes easier and more enjoyable once they get the hang of it.
It’s a great way to take a break from the daily life’s hustle and bustle and de-stress and relax your mind and body. So if you’re looking for a way to simplify your life, meditation may be just what you need.
3. Is there rules for meditating?
You don’t need any rules to meditate, but here are a few guidelines to help you get started.
Find a quiet place where you can sit or recline in comfort. Close your eyes and focus on your breath as it enters and leaves your body. When your mind wanders, simply acknowledge the thought and then return your focus back to your breath. Continue for 5-10 minutes or longer if desired.
