Taking care of oneself properly has emerged as a priority for many individuals, covering a broad spectrum of aspects that influence well-being (Gutiérrez, 2021). In this sense, adopting an active lifestyle is presented as a valuable suggestion, advocating for the regular incorporation of physical exercise into daily routines. This change stands as a proactive decision to leave behind sedentary habits, experiencing a notable sense of well-being, energy, and lightness. Additionally, another aspect that should not be overlooked is nutrition. People, aware of the importance of maintaining nutritional balance, seek ways to follow a diet that is not only balanced but also healthy. However, it is also important not to neglect other aspects. Therefore, according to Gutiérrez (2021), it is increasingly common for people to give meditation a chance, a growing practice that promises both physical and emotional benefits.
In line with the growing demand for methods to calm the mind and relieve daily stresses, meditation has experienced a notable increase in its popularity (Gutiérrez, 2021). This practice, recognized for its ability to soothe the mind, release pressures, and reduce the levels of stress and anxiety that are so common in contemporary society, has become a valuable resource for many individuals. Despite these favorable points, Gutiérrez (2021) mentions that doubts about the appropriateness of meditation and false myths persist, and accepting them without verifying their truthfulness can generate reservations toward this practice.
"Meditation Involves Clearing the Mind"
Some people hold the idea that the mind should be devoid, freed from thoughts; however, it is inevitable to avoid mental exercise (Aguirre, 2019). Continuously, the mind harbors a multitude of ideas, memories, and images, whether consciously or unconsciously. In this context, meditation emerges as a powerful tool to achieve full awareness of all forms of thought residing in the mind. It is important to understand that thoughts will always be present, and the goal is not to fight against them. According to Aguirre (2019), adopting resistance is not the right path, as it only leads to higher levels of stress.
The proposal is not to be carried away by the thoughts that arise, observe them, and allow them to go away, focusing attention, for example, on breathing, without letting thoughts distract (Gutiérrez, 2021). By being aware of the positive and/or negative thoughts flooding the mind, one understands from personal experience that certain mental patterns exist (Aguirre, 2019). Therefore, meditation facilitates clear thinking, allowing one to observe thoughts as spectators and return to calm more successfully in case of distractions during the practice (Morales Franco, n.d.). Furthermore, there is a perception of the possibility to pay attention to the mind to let go or change what is not useful (Aguirre, 2019). In this way, this practice leads to a sense of freedom by removing unnecessary burdens, being less captive to obsessive and repetitive thoughts of the past or the future that lack utility. Aguirre (2019) mentions that, by reducing identification with these thoughts, greater mental clarity is achieved.
"Meditation is for Those Seeking to Escape Reality"
The true purpose of embarking on the practice of meditation goes beyond simply disconnecting and distancing oneself from reality; in fact, it involves tuning in and establishing authentic contact with the true inner being, overcoming any external situation that may arise (Calvo, 2022). Although some people may try to use meditation as a means of escaping unresolved internal conflicts, this approach actually contradicts the fundamental teachings of wisdom regarding meditation and mindfulness. Meditation, far from being an evasion, offers various techniques specifically designed to identify, mobilize, and resolve those internal conflicts that are the root of negative emotions. In such situations, Calvo (2022) recommends addressing them with a therapist who can assist in exploring and safely healing past pain, allowing for a return to a natural state of fullness, love, and inner harmony.
"With Meditation, Extraordinary or Mystical Experiences are Had"
Although the meditative experience may be intriguing, the notion that the effectiveness of meditation is related to the belief that one must witness extraordinary phenomena or have mystical sensations can be conceived (Aguirre, 2019). Such expectations could lead to frustration if the individual does not undergo any extrasensory experiences (Aguirre, 2019). Beyond these expectations, the real benefits of meditation are experienced throughout the rest of the day when the person is not meditating and is engaged in their daily activities (Calvo, 2022). At the conclusion of the meditation session, a sense of stillness and mental calm derived from the practice is carried forward, facilitating increased creativity, maintaining focus, and being more pleasant with oneself and the surroundings (Calvo, 2022). According to Aguirre (2019), the manifestation of a different emotional response in situations that used to provoke irritation, offense, or indignation indicates progress in the face of emotional challenges.
"A Quiet Place is Needed for Meditation"
Incorporating meditation into everyday life does not always require a quiet corner and a specific time (Morales Franco, n.d.). In fact, meditation can be explored even in noisy and distracting environments. Some mindfulness techniques suggest, for example, taking a few minutes of pause during the daily routine to direct attention to the breath. This can be helpful in situations like traffic, during an intense conversation, or even while enjoying breakfast. Despite this flexibility, it is beneficial to dedicate a more formal meditation practice in an environment that provides comfort and allows for deeper concentration. It is not essential for it to be a completely silent space or a dedicated temple, but it is useful to choose a place where it is easier to control external distractions. According to Morales Franco (n.d.), this conducive environment will allow for a few minutes of silence, thus facilitating the continuation and deepening of meditation.
"Many Years of Practice Are Needed to Succeed in Meditation"
While it is true that the expected results may not be achieved in the first sessions, it is also not necessary to wait for years for them to be effective (Gutiérrez, 2021). Scientifically, it has been demonstrated how the effects of meditation bring about changes in the mind and body with just a few weeks of training (Aguirre, 2019). For example, the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program contributes to reducing stress and anxiety, bringing greater calm and harmony to life. Among the most important aspects is that it increases levels of awareness, which ultimately translate into better performance in social and work environments. In general terms, Aguirre (2019) mentions that scientists who have studied meditation for decades conclude what ancient spiritual traditions already knew: continuous practice helps recognize everything that contributes to unhappiness and, thus, create greater mental clarity through the release of emotional toxicity.
"Meditation is a Religious Practice"
Although meditation has been part of various spiritual or religious practices throughout history, it does not present itself as a religion or spiritual trend in itself (Morales Franco, n.d.). This means that anyone, regardless of their beliefs or spiritual practices, has the ability to meditate without contradicting their perspective or convictions (Morales Franco, n.d.). Meditation is more related to promoting well-being and health, improving performance in social settings by developing empathy skills, and creating harmonious and mentally peaceful environments by reducing stressors (Aguirre, 2019). It contributes to feeling better about oneself, enriching existence, and facing life's challenges with greater resilience. It is worth noting that any meditation, no matter how simple and brief it may seem, will yield results, even if they are seemingly invisible. According to Aguirre (2019), these results gradually manifest as one accesses pure awareness that expands the being.
References
Aguirre, L. A. (2019, marzo 15). El Arte de la Meditación: Mitos y Verdades. Magloire Aguirre. https://www.magloireaguirre.com/2019/03/15/el-arte-de-la-meditacion-mitos-y-verdades/
Calvo, Ú. (2022, octubre 18). 7 Falsos Mitos Sobre la Meditación. Úrsula Calvo. https://ursulacalvo.com/blog/7-falsos-mitos-sobre-la-meditacion
Gutiérrez, I. (2021, octubre 8). Falsos Mitos de la Meditación que Conviene Desterrar. El Confidencial. https://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/estilo/ocio/2021-10-08/meditacion-falsos-mitos-desterrar-ideas_3303030/
Morales Franco, A.P. (s.f). Mitos Acerca de la Meditación. Bambú. Recuperado el 12 de diciembre de 2023, de https://www.appbambu.com/blog/mitos-acerca-de-la-meditacion
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