So, you’ve started your meditation practice, or you will.
Congratulations!
Most people are aware of the benefits of mindfulness that can be achieved through meditation. There are other mindfulness techniques, but meditation is at the top of the list.
The thing is that not everyone can achieve this. There are many people who say it is difficult.
Are they, really?
Or are you just committing these five common mistakes?
1. Seeking Relaxation
One of the most common mistakes that many people make is that they quickly do meditation to relax. However, it doesn’t work like that.
Keep in mind that meditation is not about relaxation. Instead, it’s about creating the perfect balance between balance and alertness.
The most common scenario is, a person rushes to meditate after a stressful situation and expects immediate relaxation. As mentioned, it is not natural to fall into a relaxed state immediately, especially if you have not been practicing meditation or mindfulness regularly.
The first few days or even weeks of meditation you will have to experience a combination of all sorts of emotions opposite relaxation, such as restlessness and discomfort. It is quite likely that you will catch yourself bored.
But that’s good.
Meditation is about bringing more awareness to your inner self. The relaxation that comes with it is just a side effect when you get used to doing it.
Mindfulness requires regular practice.
Don’t rush into it and expect it to work like Xanax.
2. Relying Too Much on Guided Meditation
There is nothing wrong with guided meditation. I have nothing against it; in fact, I support it. The thing is, you can have so much of it that your mindfulness journey can depend on something or someone else.
When it’s not supposed to work like that.
The reason you are doing mindfulness practices, and using guided meditation, to help you is to ease you into the practice so that eventually, you can do it on your own.
At some point, you should practice mindfulness and meditation in total silence, and alone. Doing so is the only way for a mage to progress.
3. Practicing When Upset or Anxious
“Meditate,” has become a common piece of advice for anxious or stressed individuals. Again, there is nothing wrong with that.
But if you only meditate when you’re sad, stressed, or anxious, then you’re doing it wrong.
You must also remember that the brain finds it difficult to do something new when we are under stress. Therefore, meditating at a time when your stress levels are at their highest is not a good idea. You might want to give it a few days before you commit to a practice.
Mindfulness and meditation allow you to be better in the present moment, so the next time you encounter a stressful situation, or when you feel your anxiety creeping up, you can easily connect yourself through mindfulness. .
4. Hold on to Thoughts
When we meditate, it’s normal to be distracted by thoughts—that’s how the mind works. The key here with meditation is to let the thoughts pass.
However, some people who complain about struggling with meditation is because most of them hold on to the thoughts that come to them. It is natural for a person to get stuck on a thought, but the key is to let them go.
Meditation is not the time to analyze why your boss hasn’t promoted you yet or that guy from the bar hasn’t called you yet.
All you have to do is acknowledge that you have a thought, and then bring your attention back to your breath.
5. Expect Fast Results
If you look at meditation as medication, then you’d be better off rolling out your yoga mat and doing some other mindfulness practice. Viewing meditation this way is only setting yourself up for failure.
You must realize before you practice meditation, it is a spiritual practice. The sooner you realize that, the better.
The benefits of mindfulness will come to you naturally, and by the time they do, you will no longer see them as benefits.
