Myth Busting Tips to Practice Meditation for Beginners

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If you’re like most people, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of meditation but don’t really know where to start.

In this blog post, we’ll provide some tips to help beginners get started with this practice.

Meditation can help improve your concentration, reduce stress and anxiety, help you manage food cravings, and promote better sleep habits. It’s a great way to improve your overall health and well-being!

But unfortunately, people often have misguided notions about meditation which block their progress.

Let’s take a look at the biggest misconceptions and myths surrounding meditation. Hopefully by discussing these erroneous ideas you’ll feel more comfortable with meditation and can reap the benefits!

Meditation is not about stopping thoughts or achieving a blank mind

mindful or mind full image with two thought bubbles one with clutter and the other with simplicity
This is actually NOT what mindfully really means!

This is a common misconception and one of the main reasons people give up on meditation.

The goal of meditation is not to silence your thoughts but rather to observe them without judgment.

You can think of it as watching your thoughts go by like cars on a highway. You’re not trying to stop the cars, you’re just observing them as they pass.

If you find yourself worrying about getting caught up in your thoughts, simply bring your attention back to your breath or body and start again.

You can meditate anywhere, any time

One of the best things about meditation is that you can do it anywhere, at any time.

You don’t need to go to a special place or set aside a specific time of day.

If you’re at work and feel yourself getting stressed, take a few minutes to meditate in your office or cubicle.

If you’re waiting in line at the grocery store, take a few deep breaths and focus on your breath.

Meditation is a flexible practice that can fit into any situation!

Start small and build up gradually

Like with anything new, it’s important to start small and build up gradually.

Don’t try to meditate for hours right from the start – it’s not realistic and you’re likely to get frustrated.

Start with just a few minutes a day, and then gradually increase the amount of time you meditate each day.

Find a time that works for you, and be consistent with your practice.

It’s normal to feel like you’re not doing it right

Another common misconception is that there’s a right and wrong way to meditate.

But the truth is, there is no one correct way to meditate.

Everyone experiences meditation differently, and what works for one person might not work for another.

If you find yourself getting frustrated or feeling like you’re not doing it right, take a step back and remember that there is no perfect way to meditate.

Focus on your breath and let go of any expectations or preconceived notions about how meditation should be.

You don’t have to be religious or spiritual to practice meditation

One of the great things about meditation is that it can be practiced by people of any religion or spiritual belief, or by people with no religious or spiritual belief at all!

Meditation is a secular practice that anyone can do, regardless of their beliefs.

So if you’ve been wanting to try meditation but have been hesitant because you don’t consider yourself religious or spiritual, know that you don’t have to be!

You can even meditate if you struggle with overeating!

Anyone and everyone can benefit from the practice of meditation.

You don’t need any special equipment or clothing

All you need for meditation is yourself! You don’t need any special equipment or clothing.

You can meditate anywhere, anytime, and for any length of time.

Just find a comfortable spot and you’re ready to go.

How To Become More Mindful By Using A Journal

One of the best ways to become more mindful is to keep a journal. A journal can help you to track your thoughts and emotions, and it can be a valuable tool for exploring your inner life. 

Learn about Eating Enlightenment Food Journal!

When you sit down to write in your journal, take a few moments to simply notice your breath. Breathe in and out slowly, and pay attention to the sensations in your body. 

Then, begin writing about whatever is on your mind. Don’t worry about making sense or being perfect – just let the words flow. As you write, pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. 

Are you feeling anxious or stressed? What are you thinking about? What sensations do you notice in your body? By taking the time to check in with yourself, you can begin to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. 

And as you become more aware of your inner life, you can start to make changes that will improve your wellbeing.

Now that you know some tips for how to get started with meditation, give it a try! 

Meditation is a simple yet powerful tool that can help improve your mental and emotional well-being. Just remember to start small, be consistent, and find a style.

Meditation is a versatile practice with many benefits. By busting some of the common myths about mediation, hopefully you feel more comfortable giving it a try! 

About the Author

Jared Levenson is a former binge eating wrestler turned Zen Buddhist Monk, Internal Family Systems counselor and nutrition wellness coach. He's helped hundreds of people through universal meal principles and internal family systems to make peace with food, stop binge eating, and find true health and wholeness.

@jared_levenson

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