Mindfulness Misconceptions
Mindfulness Is About Emptying the Mind
The goal of Mindfulness isn’t to get rid of thoughts, if you’ve ever actually tried to ‘clear your mind of all thoughts you’ll notice it’s virtually impossible! If we think of emptying the mind as the goal, we may quickly become frustrated in the practice and may want to quit. Rather, the intention is to focus our attention on something in the present (e.g. the breath), this is narrowing our awareness and when the thoughts arise see if we can keep bringing our attention back to the breath with kindness.
Mindfulness is The Same Thing as Relaxation
There is often the perception that when we practice Mindfulness we should feel relaxed. The reality is that during our meditation we sometimes feel relaxed, but often also experience frustration, boredom, restlessness and the whole range of human emotions! This doesn’t mean that the practice is going ‘wrong’. It’s part of the process. There are more longer-term benefits to be gained from Mindfulness than feeling relaxed. By observing our experiences and allowing them to be as they are, we can cultivate a sense of contentment and gain freedom from habitual thought patterns. This can help to release us from loops of stress, depression and anxiety.
Mindfulness is Only Cultivated Through Meditation
There is often the perception that when we practice mindfulness we should feel relaxed. The reality is that during our meditation we sometimes feel relaxed, but often also experience frustration, boredom, restlessness and the whole range of human emotions! This doesn’t mean that the practice is going ‘wrong’. It’s part of the process. There are more longer-term benefits to be gained from Mindfulness than feeling relaxed. By observing our experiences and allowing them to be as they are, we can cultivate a sense of contentment and gain freedom from habitual thought patterns. This can help to release us from loops of stress, depression and anxiety.
You Have to Sit to Practice Mindfulness Meditation
You do not have to sit on the floor to practice mindfulness meditation. In fact, you don’t have to do anything. It’s your practice.
Meditation can be done in any posture. Seated, standing, lying down or walking are usually recommended. The most important thing is finding a balance between comfort and alertness, and what works for your body. If you’re not sure where to start, we’d recommend beginning with sitting on a chair with your feet on the floor and using a cushion or rolled up yoga mat to support your back.
Mindfulness Is a Quick Fix
Mindfulness is a long-term approach to help us to cope with worry, stress, and anxiety. It’s not a quick fix. Stressors, unfortunately, are simply part of being human. They will always be there, one way or another, big or small. Mindfulness can help us to respond to stress more effectively, to be less overwhelmed, and to build resilience for when it’s needed. Over time, we may find it helps us to deal with whatever life throws at us, without pre-empting what that might be!
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