What Meditation Isn’t

October 28, 2024 (update from September 18, 2023)

A few blog posts back, I defined (my definition) the practice of meditation. I’ve explained some of the benefits, the dangers, the hesitations; but one thing I haven’t addressed is what meditation isn’t.

Meditation isn’t easy

Don’t confuse easy with simple. Meditation is a simple practice, but it’s not easy one. I use the words meditation and practice together quite a bit for obvious reasons; it takes practice to achieve desired results, and we all have different goals that we’re working towards in our practices.

The most common reason meditating isn’t easy is the distractions. Even though you will feel a difference after your first session, blocking out distractions is difficult. Another reason that it isn’t easy is because of the negative emotions that it can conjure (see my “Meditation Hesitation” blog post).

Meditation isn’t a cure-all

Many people begin a meditation practice with the high-hopes that it will cure everything that ails them, but it simply won’t. It doesn’t alleviate our human emotions. It won’t keep us from having a bad day. It won’t prevent our relationships from falling apart. Evading all of these things would actually steal our humanity. But it will help us deal with those things.

Meditation brings a sense of peace and centrality, a deep feeling of confidence and is something tangible to rely on; something that we are certain can enable us to use our confidence and inner peace to deal with whatever our day brings.

Meditation isn’t a replacement for logical intentions

Again, some people assume that meditation will automatically take over when it comes to making a decision or conjuring happiness. If you meditated in the morning, it doesn’t mean that you re-wired you brain and don’t have to be discerning. Oh please, don’t think this.

There’s actual scientific research that meditation does re-wire your brain, but it’s not a one-shot-deal, it’s gradual, and it won’t magically make the “bad thoughts” disappear. It has been shown to lessen the neurological effects of depression, ADD/ADHD, Alzheimer’s and dementia, and addictions. But it takes time and commitment to your practice and to your desired wellness.

Just because it isn’t easy, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it.

Love one another.

Namaste