Dating back at least five to six thousand years ago, meditation is originally practised to help one attain enlightenment. Today, meditation is commonly practised as a means for relaxation, improving focus, managing stress, and the list goes on!

While interest in meditation has skyrocketed in recent years, there are still many underlying misconceptions that deter people from this practice.

We have compiled a list of 5 common misconceptions about meditation and StepUp is here to debunk them!

1. There is only one form of meditation.

Meditation is not one-size-fits-all. When practising meditation, you must find the right type of meditation style that meets your needs and complements your mindset.

Some of the more popular types of meditation practices include Mindfulness, Focused and Loving-Kindness meditation.

• Mindfulness meditation involves being in the present moment and involves both techniques of focusing attention on an object such as the breath or body sensation, and open monitoring of a range of experiences within our consciousness.
• Focused meditation involves concentration by using any of your five senses. This could be concentrating on an external influence, like listening to a gong or focusing on something internal, like your breath.
• Loving-Kindness meditation is used to strengthen and promote feelings of compassion, kindness and acceptance toward oneself and others.

2. Meditation requires you to “empty your mind”.

While meditation involves the quieting of the mind, it does not mean you have to “empty your mind”.

By nature, the mind is constantly filled with thoughts. Through the practice of meditation, you will become more aware of your thoughts and develop an understanding of their presence and any patterns, without judgement.

3. You need to be still when practising meditation.

Not all meditation requires you to sit on a cushion and hum “ohm” for hours on end. The benefits of moving meditation are similar to non-moving meditation, such as achieving a peaceful state of mind, reducing anxiety and relieving stress. 

Did you know? Tai Chi and Qi Gong are forms of moving meditation that uses rhythmic movements to help you focus and centre one’s mind.

4. Meditation is very time-consuming.

While there are longer-term meditators who practice for a longer duration, how you want to engage in the practice is pretty much a personal lifestyle choice.

You do not need to dedicate long hours to practising meditation. You can reap benefits even from a simple 2-minute meditation. Often, we feel lethargic after a day’s worth of Zoom calls. Give yourself a mental recharge by taking meditation breaks in between meetings.

Close your eyes, count your breaths (in and out) from one to five and repeat for five minutes. Almost anyone can practise meditation. It is simple, inexpensive and can be done anywhere and everywhere – on your commute to work, at home or in a park.

Just make sure you are not practising while driving! Set aside a couple of minutes a day to allow yourself to recharge.

5. All types of meditation are religious.

Whilst meditation may be practised in a religious setting, practising meditation does not require one to subscribe to a particular religion.

For example, Mindfulness meditation which has been practised in the mainstream since the 1970s may have its roots in Buddhism but has been practised in a secular way by business executives, students, sports-players and even in the parliament!

Do keep a lookout as StepUp introduces a new feature to bring out your inner zen!