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10 Things Meditation Is Not!

Writer's picture: TatiTati

10 things meditation is not - Meditaction

Hello everyone, and a happy, warm and very productive week to all! 😊


How's September going for you?


On this side, things are moving in the right direction. After the positive experience with the free guided Meditaction sessions of this Summer, the next step is to start offering Meditaction weekend retreats! And also to give shape to Meditaction as a structured organization and develop the first programs for schools and businesses.


Most people with whom I've been talking to about the project have been very supportive and tell me there is a lot of potential in it. However, the more I share about Meditaction within my networks, the more I understand there are also still many people who don't know what meditation is and how it can greatly benefit society. So I thought that today it could be both useful and interesting to write this post and define clearly what meditation is NOT.


So Here We Go... 10 Things Meditation Is Not:


1. Meditation is NOT a Religious Practice


Meditation is often associated with various religious traditions, but it is not inherently religious. It is a universal practice that can be embraced by people of all faiths or none at all. It can be a tool for spiritual growth, but it can also be approached from a secular perspective, focusing solely on its physical, mental and emotional benefits. At Meditaction, we teach meditation in a secular, non-religious way, and many other organizations choose to do the same.



2. Meditation is NOT Just a Relaxation Technique


While meditation can certainly induce a deep sense of relaxation, it's essential to recognize that its benefits extend far beyond mere stress reduction. Meditation encourages a profound connection with one's inner self and can lead to personal growth, increased focus, and a greater understanding of the mind. While relaxation is a valuable byproduct, meditation's true power lies in its ability to transform the way we relate to ourselves and the world around us.



3. Meditation is NOT About Escaping Reality


Some people mistakenly believe that meditation is a way to escape from the challenges and responsibilities of daily life. However, meditation is about cultivating mindfulness and being present in the here and now. It's a tool to help us navigate life's ups and downs with greater clarity and equanimity, rather than avoiding them. In fact, it helps us to become more at peace with reality.



4. Meditation is NOT About Emptying Your Mind


Contrary to the belief that meditation means completely emptying our mind of thoughts, it's all about observing our thoughts without attachment or judgment. Our mind will naturally wander during meditation, and that's perfectly normal. The key is to acknowledge these thoughts and gently guide our focus back to our chosen point of concentration. For those who say "I can't empty my mind, it's useless to try!", know that we're all in the same boat!



5. Meditation is NOT Only Sitting Cross-Legged


"I can't even sit cross-legged, there is no way I can make it". That's another common misconception. While the classic image of meditation often depicts someone sitting cross-legged on a cushion, meditation can take many forms. Walking meditation, sitting on a chair, lying down, and even mindfulness practices during everyday activities are all valid forms of meditation. It's about finding what works best and is more comfortable to you!



6. Meditation is NOT a Selfish Practice


By taking the time to cultivate inner peace and self-awareness through meditation, we can become more compassionate, patient, and understanding in our interactions with others. This is scientifically proven and especially true when meditation is practiced in a group setting. In essence, meditation is a fantastic way to replenish our inner resources, enabling us to contribute positively to the well-being of the world and others around us.



7. Meditation is NOT About Developing Super-Human Powers


While meditation can lead to various mental and emotional benefits as well as greatly enhance concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills, it's not a means to achieve paranormal feats. Instead, it encourages us to embrace our innate human potential and live a more fulfilling, mindful life in the real world, rather than seeking extraordinary powers beyond it. So don't be afraid, because it will only make you more human! 😊



8. Meditation is NOT a Mysterious Practice Difficult To Understand


While it may seem enigmatic to beginners, meditation is fundamentally a simple concept: it involves focusing our attention to calm the mind and cultivate greater awareness in our lives. It doesn't require esoteric knowledge or complex rituals. It's a practice accessible to all, and there is enough scientific evidence today that explains its effects on the human body and brain.



9. Meditation is NOT Always Blissful


"That's for people who live detached from reality and don't want to deal with struggles and challenges". I've heard this one too. While meditation can bring about positive feelings of peace and joy, it can also surface difficult emotions, challenges and past traumas. This is a natural part of the process and it is important to be aware of it. Meditation encourages us to confront and work through these emotions, ultimately leading to greater emotional resilience.



10. Meditation is NOT a Replacement for Professional Help


Meditation can be a valuable tool for managing stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges, but it is not a substitute for professional mental health care. For people dealing with serious mental health issues, it's important to seek guidance from a qualified therapist. Meditation can help, but it's not a magic cure for all of life's problems. Some mental problems need immediate intervention, and meditation, like any skill, requires time, practice, and patience to see significant results.


🫶


Meditation is a powerful practice with a multitude of benefits, but it's important to approach it with a clear understanding of what it is and what it is not. By dispelling these common misconceptions, we hope we can foster a more realistic perception of meditation and a more rewarding meditation experience for all. Let's remember too, that meditation is a journey, and like any journey, it has its ups and downs!


If we embrace it with an open heart and a patient mind, we'll be able to better discover its transformative potential. And perhaps, even have some fun in the process! 💗




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Dea Esmeralda
Dea Esmeralda
Sep 19, 2023

Great post, as always! Very clear explanation about what is not meditation and on the same way what is it! Thanks Tati. All the best into your way to achieve a better future for we all through Meditaction.

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Tati Meditaction
Tati Meditaction
Sep 21, 2023
Replying to

We're glad this explanation seems clear to you, Dea! One of our goals is to make meditation easily accessible to everyone, and that means teaching it and giving information about it in a simple way 😊

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