Lotus pose makes your legs hurt? That's ok.
Meditation has been hailed as a way to boost mental health, help chronic pain, reduce stress and build a new appreciation for the world around us.
But even with all this interest, misconceptions about what this ancient practice can do for human health and well-being are still circulating.
1. Myth: There is only one type of meditation
Only some meditations involve sitting quietly with legs crossed. Qi Gong and Tai Chi, for example, focus on meditative movement. This combines a relaxed but alert state of mind with slow movements and gentle breathing.
Others, like Tibetan Buddhist meditation involve visualisations and/or mantras. There is also "thinking meditation" where one reflects on topics such as impermanence, while staying relaxed yet focused and reflective.
Many types also encourage bringing meditation into ordinary daily activities – such as mindful dish washing involving paying attention to the sensations of the water and hand movements.
Similarly, there is eating meditation, where one expresses gratitude for the food and wishes for others less fortunate.
2. Myth: It's all about being still and quiet
Stable non-reactive attention is developed in all meditation types, but it is particularly targeted in mindfulness practices. Other meditation types cultivate qualities such as compassion, generosity or forgiveness. (MORE)
Source: Science Alert
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