You are anxious, think a lot, feel antsy, or don't want to feel you are wasting time. Your mind loops over unproductive or intrusive thoughts, and you can't stop thinking about the past, or you worry about the future. When you try to meditate, it is uncomfortable and unsettling, and your body does not know what to do. If this sounds like you, you are not alone in this feeling. Many people think they can't meditate but want to experience what meditation or Zen(Chan) offers.
Let's first address the misconceptions about meditation so that we can unravel the reasons you may struggle with it.
Misconceptions:
1. Meditation is a deep state of calm and inner peace in which the outside world does not affect the person meditating.
This first misconception is what most people believe meditation is, and when this is not immediate, people can become discouraged. One can achieve this state of meditation, but it does not encompass all of meditation itself.
2. Meditation requires me to sit down for long periods.
Lies from the Book of Lies!!! Again, sitting is one form of meditation, which could explain why you can't meditate if you don't want to or can't sit still.
3. I need a quiet place to Meditate.
Although having quiet places to meditate can be helpful, it is not always possible. However, meditation is still possible regardless of your location or situation. Even our temple, nestled in a robust and lively neighborhood, is no stranger to audible distractions. Still, when we incorporate the proper methods, it becomes a perfect place to train in meditation.
4. I will be a calm person and not react to any arousal after I meditate.
More Lies from the Book of Lies!!! This idea contributes to why people can't sustain a meditation practice: They're looking for results in the wrong places. The real results of meditation show up over time, though some immediate benefits will show themselves when you start. You will, however, become more aware of your buttons, which could allow you to have more facility over them.
5. I need to be Buddhist or read Sutras
This could not be further from the truth. Not only do all beliefs have some form of meditation and contemplation, but there is nothing you must believe or adopt to meditate or benefit from meditation. The truth is there are no have-tos at all; it is just a shift in the focus of your thoughts.
So, What is Meditation?
In truth, we are always meditating as long as we are thinking; the question is, what are we meditating on? In technical terms, Meditation is thinking about or bringing awareness to thinking. Just becoming aware of our thoughts in the present moment is starting to get in the ballpark of how what we call meditation works.
Types of Meditation:
This is not an exhaustive list, but here we go
- Standing Meditation
- Moving Meditation
- Seated Meditation
