Can Anyone Meditate?
Meditation is mainly associated with calming the mind and the feeling of clear vision. Yet, the experience for many often feels quite different! They make themselves comfortable and then begin struggling with thoughts and distractions. People often say, ‘I tried it, but it doesn’t work for me’. Is it possible for anyone to meditate, or is it something that only a few can manage?
Why is meditation so difficult?
The most common issue we have with meditation comes from our expectations. Some expect their thoughts to disappear or that they can reach the deepest level of meditation within the shortest time possible. So, it can create frustration as soon as these expectations are not met and we may feel it is too complicated to make a part of our routine.
Some feel they aren’t doing it ‘the right way’ and self-criticism appears each time their mind wonders. This might cause you to assume that you are not good at meditating. But this is only the partial picture.
Why the mind wanders
The human mind is a restless one and it keeps on wandering. It is created with the pre-programmed function to perform thinking, analytical and computational tasks on a continuous basis. When we sit down to meditate, we are asking our mind to do something it isn’t used to: be still. It is like asking a river to stop flowing. For the mind to be still, it is quite normal for it to protest and go on thinking continuously with different emotions and memories.
The result is that the wandering mind is not an indication of failure, but rather a phase that is normal. Yoga is a means of practicing meditation that teaches us how to watch these thoughts without becoming involved in them.
Perseverance is the key
Although it is not easy to persist in mediation, the result is worth the effort. The advantages of meditating are not routinely seen in the short term, which in essence means that they are cumulative. Benefits include lower stress, better concentration, increased ability to cope with strong emotions and, in general, more happiness.
As it is with frequent exercise, meditation helps build up the mind over time and with persistence. It is not about getting to a state of no-worry when meditating: it is about beginning and, perhaps, beginning again, for the mind may roar its nastiest thoughts. In the course of time, you will find that the mind has become less sensitive, there is more concentration and it becomes easier to find moments of tranquility during meditation.
Common Misconceptions
Meditation actually involves active work of the brain and it is untrue that people who meditate try to clear their minds of thoughts. This is unrealistic and quite unnecessary. This is not an exercise in wiping out your thoughts, but rather for a new attitude towards thoughts. You no longer allow yourself to be a victim of negative thoughts but, instead, you are able to notice them, accept them and dismiss them.
Some people also believe that there is a particular method to learn in order to practice meditation and hence there is only the ‘right’ procedure. In fact, meditation is a very physiological practice for the individual. What may be effective in one case may not work in another and this is completely okay. The key here is that there is always a method, based on your preferences, and to be flexible when practicing it.
The Benefits
It is more than likely that you have heard that meditation is helpful. Many articles, now scientifically backed, can prove the benefits that the ancient yogis have known for centuries. They include, but are not limited to, stress reduction, improved focus and concentration, emotional resilience and enhanced self-awareness. Impressive huh?
Easy techniques to practice at home
If you’re ready to give meditation another try, here are two simple techniques:
Mindful Breathing: Choose a comfortable position, close your eyes. Pay awareness to the breath in and out of your body. You will find your mind straying from the breath you are meditating on, don’t worry, merely bring your attention back to the breath. Begin with five minutes practice and increase the time as you get more acquainted with the activity.
Body Scan Meditation: Make sure you are comfortable, sitting in a chair or on the floor is best to prevent from nodding off. Now picture the left-hand side of your body, starting from the toes, pay attention to each part of your body, try to identify any feeling, tightness or pain. Continue to scan from top to bottom on the right-side, make sure you are relaxed every time you exhale.
At first, it may seem difficult but try to practice without negativity and always bear in mind that a distracted mind is not a bad one. It is for this reason that, with time, meditation can bring positive change in your life. It certainly has in mine.
If you would like some support with meditation in Mount Martha or private yoga classes, reach out to Mount Martha Yoga and chat with Emily about how she can help you.
