There’s no shortage of studies that prove the benefits of meditation. At The Better Normal, we’re all about embracing new practices and alternative therapies that boost our well-being. That’s why today, we’re here to bust some common meditation myths that many of us still believe.
It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve heard the facts—there are myths we need to unlearn. Are you ready to let go of everything you thought you knew about meditation? Stick around, because in this blog, you’re going to get a full dose of clarity. And the next time you hear these myths, you’ll know exactly what to say!
1. Myth: You have to be a very spiritual person to meditate
If I told you about all the random friends of mine who meditate, you’d probably laugh. While meditation can have a spiritual aspect, it’s a practice that anyone can benefit from—no matter your background or beliefs.
Remember what the wise chef Gusteau said in Ratatouille? “Anyone can cook.” Well, at The Better Normal, we say: “Anyone can meditate.”
Meditation isn’t reserved for spiritual gurus—it’s for anyone who wants to improve their mental and emotional well-being. You don’t need to be deeply spiritual to start meditating; you just need to be open to the practice and ready to experience the benefits.
2. Myth: Meditation takes a lot of time
This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there. The beauty of meditation is that it doesn’t have to take a huge chunk of your day. You can start with just a few minutes, and you’ll still feel the positive effects.
Honestly, just 10 minutes of meditation each day can make a difference. Think of it like an energy reset for your mind. You don’t need to carve out an hour for it—just a little time each day can add up to big improvements in your mood, focus, and overall mental health.
So, don’t stress about finding long periods to meditate. Start small, and gradually, you’ll find more moments to practice throughout your day.
3. Myth: To meditate, you need to be calm and have a blank mind
Let’s face it—most of us struggle with this one. How many times have you tried to meditate and ended up with your mind wandering to your to-do list, a random thought, or something that’s been stressing you out? Almost never do we have a completely blank mind during meditation, and guess what? That’s completely okay!
Meditation isn’t about forcing your mind to go blank. It’s about observing your thoughts and learning to bring your focus back to the present moment. In fact, those random thoughts are helpful because they show you what’s occupying your mind. Pay attention to what causes you stress, anxiety, or restlessness—those are the areas where you can start focusing your energy.
So, don’t get frustrated when your mind isn’t quiet. It’s part of the process. The key is returning to your breath or your point of focus when your thoughts start to wander.
4. Myth: Meditation only helps you relax
While relaxation is one of the main benefits of meditation, it’s not the only one. Meditation can also help improve your focus, reduce anxiety, enhance emotional regulation, and even boost your overall cognitive function.
It’s not just about zoning out for a few minutes. Meditation is a tool that can sharpen your mind and help you respond to stress with more clarity and composure. It’s not just for relaxation—it’s for building resilience and improving your mental agility, too.
5. Myth: Results from meditation take years to see
This myth is simply not true! One of the most rewarding aspects of meditation is that you can start feeling its benefits almost immediately. Whether it’s a sense of calm, clarity, or just feeling more present in your day-to-day, meditation can have a noticeable impact from the very first session.
Of course, like anything, the more you practice, the more benefits you’ll experience over time. But you don’t have to wait years to start noticing improvements in your mental well-being. Start today, and feel the positive effects unfold.
5 Meditation Creators We Love
If you’re looking for fresh inspiration to enhance your meditation practice, these five creators are here to support you. Not only do they offer amazing content on Instagram, but they also provide resources, classes, and personal insights to help you bring mindfulness and meditation into your life. Follow them for a mix of guided sessions, personal growth tips, and wellness inspiration:
- Erika Polsinelli (@inkale.exkale) | She’s the founder of Evolve by Erika. She shares powerful, potent, and life-changing meditations. She also has her meditation podcast! Make you check it out.
- Dianna Lopez (@_diannalopez) | Dianna is an amazing musician who shares meditations on her YouTube Channel, Spotify, and her website.
- Amanda Tiberi (@amandanovawellness) | Amanda is a spiritual guide and shaman. She helps women awaken to their divine essence through Kundalini activations, channeled meditations, and transformative group experiences.
- Anabel (beyondasana) | Anabel, founder of Beyond Asana, is devoted to sharing the depth that the Yog-Vedantic tradition has to offer the modern world.
- Etai Abramovich (@thugtai) | Etai is a Yoga Teacher from New York City who shares yoga lessons and meditations daily.