Now, like anything in this universe, there is a lot of false information circulating about guided meditation.
It’s time to sort the myths from the facts.
Myths
1. Guided Meditation Is Part Of Religion
This is completely false, although meditation is associated with some religions, it is not a religious practice and anyone can engage in it, whether or not you are religious.
2. It Takes Years To Master Meditation
Although the quality and length of your periods of meditation may change over time, anyone can master meditation and it doesn’t take years. This is because meditation is the simple act of clearing your mind, and anyone can do it. This doesn’t mean you can go out and start leading guided meditation sessions however, because this does take some training to be able to execute. But most people generally learn how to meditate after a few guided sessions.
3. Some People Just Can’t Meditate
Some people will claim their mind is simply too busy to meditate. And this isn’t true at all, once again, anyone can meditate, it is a choice, and you just need to put your mind to it in order to make it happen.
4. Guided Meditation Includes Chanting
While some forms of guided meditation can include chants or affirmations, this is not required to experience successful guided meditation. If you don’t want to chant, that’s okay, simply find a class, or app, that doesn’t have you engage in this practice.
5. In Order To Meditate You Have To Sit In A Yoga Position
You’ve seen it in all the movies, the really flexible individual sitting in an uncomfortable yoga pose and meditating. This is completely false. For guided meditation, you should be comfortable, and if a yoga position is comfortable for you, this is fine. But if you aren’t very flexible, that is fine as well! Meditate however you feel comfortable, even if it means you do so lying down.
6. If Your Mind Wanders During Meditation This Is Bad
Some people think that if your mind starts to wander during guided meditation that you aren’t doing it right or aren’t getting the full benefits. This simply isn’t true. Guided meditation is about self-discovery and spending time with yourself. These thoughts you may be having may mean something.
7. Guided Meditation Makes You Weak
This myth is more commonly mentioned by men, but women can think it too. Certain people have been told, incorrectly, that meditation makes them lose their edge and makes them become weak. This is, again, simply not true. Meditation simply hones you in on yourself and the skills which are already there. It also helps you to strengthen your bond with yourself and become stronger—the complete opposite of this myth.
8. Guided Meditation Takes Hours
This isn’t true at all. Guided meditation can be as long or as short as you want it to be. This is especially easy with guided meditation as you can select a program which meets your exact time limits for guided meditating, even if it’s just for ten minutes each day.
Facts
Now that all the myths have been debunked, it’s time to talk about some of the facts of guided meditation.
1. Guided Meditation Will Improve Your Cognitive Abilities
Guided meditation is simply, well, amazing. Not only does it help you relax, but during the process it helps to better your focus, concentration, and it even helps you develop skills more quickly. And if you struggle with memory problems, guided meditation can actually help with this too.
2. Guided Meditation Lowers Blood Pressure
This is 100% true. People often have high blood pressure because of a number of external stressors in their life. When you spend time relaxing and ridding yourself of these pressures and stresses, your blood pressure will lower as a result. This is a no brainer.
3. Guided Meditation Improves Your Visual Skills
You’ve probably been told that visualization is the secret to success, which it definitely is. If you are struggling with visualization, guided meditation can actually help improve this by teaching you how your mind works and allowing you to practice visualization more often. This is why meditation is often a huge part of success.
4. Guided Meditation Can Help Cure Illnesses
Although this sounds far-fetched, it is 100% true! According to Mayo Clinic, meditation has been shown to cure a number of long-term pain and anxiety related illnesses.
So, if no other treatment option seems to control your symptoms, it may be time to try guided meditation in addition to your other treatments! You may just be surprised at the results.
5. Guided Meditation Helps You Sleep Better
If you are having issues sleeping at night, it’s highly likely you will benefit from guided meditation! All the practiced relaxation will help you sleep more deeply and without waking up. It also helps you breathe more deeply and could help with breathing issues which you may not even realize are keeping you awake at night.