7 Common Myths About Meditation, Debunked

Meditation is a straightforward practice of mental training, but it's often shrouded in myths that can intimidate beginners. Let's debunk seven of the most common misconceptions.

Myth 1: You have to "clear your mind" or "stop thinking." This is the biggest myth of all. The goal is not to stop your thoughts; it's to notice them without getting carried away. The moment you realize your mind has wandered and you gently bring your focus back to your breath, that is the core practice of meditation.

Myth 2: You have to sit in an uncomfortable position. While the traditional lotus position has its place, it's not necessary for mindfulness meditation. You can sit comfortably in a chair with your feet on the floor, lie down, or even practice while walking. The key is to be in a position where you can be alert but relaxed.

Myth 3: Meditation is a religious practice. While many contemplative traditions and religions include meditation, secular mindfulness is simply a form of brain training. It's about observing your mind and body, and it requires no specific belief system.

Myth 4: It takes hours to get any benefit. Wrong. Studies have shown that even a few minutes of meditation can have measurable effects on your stress levels and focus. A consistent 5 or 10-minute daily practice is far more beneficial than a sporadic hour-long session. That's why Stillpoint offers many sessions under 15 minutes, like our 5-Minute Mindful Breathing.

Myth 5: Meditation is about escaping from reality. It's actually the opposite. Meditation is the practice of showing up for reality, exactly as it is. It's about being fully present for your life, including the difficult and unpleasant parts, and learning to navigate them with more grace and less reactivity.

Myth 6: You have to feel calm and peaceful during meditation. Sometimes meditation is calming. Other times, you might feel restless, bored, or notice a lot of difficult emotions. That's okay! The goal isn't to force a feeling of calm, but to be aware of whatever you're feeling without judging it. The calm is a result of the practice over time, not a requirement during it.

Myth 7: I'm just "bad" at it. You can't be bad at meditation. If your mind wanders a hundred times and you gently bring it back a hundred times, you've had a hundred opportunities to practice. There is no "perfect" meditation session. The only goal is to show up and try.

Ready to get started? Let go of these myths, head over to the Meditations page, and try the Meditation for Beginners (10 min). It's simpler than you think.