Meditation is really an amazing thing, but it gets a bad rap. Somehow it's gotten the reputation for being a confusing, complicated thing. In reality, it's very simple - and a very powerful tool for growth.
Here are some busted myths about meditation, and what it's really all about:
- Myth 1: You have to sit cross-legged with perfect posture and your middle fingers touching your thumbs.
Sometimes rules and routines help people "get in the zone". This is just one set of rules and routines that may not work for everyone. In truth: just get comfy. It's better to be relaxed and at ease than it is to sit a certain way, or hold your hands a certain way.
- Myth 2: If you didn't have a "profound" experience, you did it wrong.
Sometimes meditation comes with really profound revelations and ideas. Other times, nothing all that exciting happens. Let each session be its own entity. Try not to expect anything from it. In the end, you'll get a lot more out of it that way.
- Myth 3: Meditation is religious.
Sure, many religious use meditation - but meditation itself is outside of religion. It doesn't matter what your beliefs are, you can use meditation. Christians, atheists, Buddhists and more meditate.
Now that we've got that covered, here are some cool things to think about during meditation:
- The "Theater of the Mind"
Some people imagine a movie theater, and on the screen they envision a problem in their life. It could be a situation that's bringing them anxiety, a memory they just can't seem to let go of, or anything else. By reviewing the situation in the "theater of the mind", you can see it more objectively - detaching any powerful emotions that you have attached to it. The result: clarity and peace about whatever's on your mind.
- Practice.
Studies with olympic athletes showed that when they imagined performing their sports, the parts of the brain required to perform those sports became activated. What this means for you: you can actually practice something you want to become better at. Trying to learn an instrument? Want to get a move down in martial arts? Or do you want to ask your boss for a raise? Whatever it is, you can run through the scenario in your meditation, and become better at it in real life.
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