As a meditation coach, I tend to get this question often. Does meditation really help? It feels weird or I feel stupid doing it. I tried once but didn’t feel a difference so I stopped. It doesn’t work, just feels like a waste of time. I don’t see the point, just sitting around doesn’t help me. I don’t have the time, I probably will just fall asleep.
Does this all sound familiar? This is common. Meditation on the surface can seem boring or like it doesn’t work. It can seem wonky, weird, or make you feel out of place. It can simply feel like a waste of time or not needed. It can feel like a chore or an obligation at times. Right?
Meditation can sometimes be misunderstood if we go into it with the wrong intentions or no intentions at all. To figure that out we must discuss what meditation is so let’s go there for a sec.
What is Meditation??
Meditation is going into deep thought or focusing the mind on a specific item, thing, or emotion for a period of time to improve a more logical, physical, or spiritual connection. Think of it as simply exercise for the mind. A series of mental exercises to help strengthen our mental well-being. Meditation is a practice, not something we are expected to master. Your relationship with meditation is meant to evolve. You will have some good days in the practice and some bad days in the practice but is truly beneficial to your physical, spiritual, & mental state.
Why would people think that meditation doesn’t work?
There could be many reasons why people feel meditation doesn’t work for them. This is what I have seen the most frequent but Im sure there can be more:
- They go into it with the preconceived notion that it will not work
- They give it a try with no intentions or expectations
- They go into it with judgement or skepticism without giving it a full chance
- They give up too soon. They try 1 or 2 times and gives up because of discomfort, time, boredom, etc.
- They go in over zealous and overexert themselves and end up getting discouraged in the process.
The thing about meditation that we have to understand is that it is practice. It’s meant to be something that gets better with time. Meditating inconsistently creates a narrative in our minds that it doesn’t work. And in that case, would be a true statement!
So to answer your question, does meditation really help?
Yes It can, If you allow it to. You have to go into it with a positive attitude, an open mind, and judgement free. I know this can be easier said than done but it is crucial in ensuring meditation works for you. This will also take time, patience, consistency, & resilience. In my practice I have even felt at times that it wasn’t helping. Each time I felt that way it was because I was in my own head. I was trying to force results instead of allowing them to happen organically. Here are some things to keep in mind in order to give yourself a higher probability of meditative success!:
- Educate Yourself: Dig in and understand how meditation can help you so you know what intentions to set for your personal practice. Being intentional with your practice is key and is a personal journey. What works for you may not work for others and vice versa.
- Go In judgement Free: The more open you are to the practice the better. This allows you to explore and discover what works for you.
- Hire a Meditation Coach or find a community of support: Having some form of support will help you to keep going and get questions answered as needed.
I hope this helps and provides some insight! Let me know your thoughts in the comments. What reasons are you feeling meditation isn’t working? I would love to hear your thoughts. Below I have provided some resources to help you in your meditation journey!
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Check out Free Guided Meditations on Our YouTube
Channel!
Click here to sign up for Virtual Group Meditation Classes!
Grow With Debbi @ Haven Inspired 