5 Meditation Myths That Keep People From Starting

Myth 1: "I Need to Clear My Mind"

**Reality**: Meditation isn't about having an empty mind. It's about observing your thoughts without getting carried away by them. Even experienced meditators have thoughts—they've just learned to let them pass.

Myth 2: "I Don't Have Time"

**Reality**: You don't need an hour. You don't even need 20 minutes. Start with 5 minutes. Everyone has 5 minutes. The key is consistency, not duration.

Myth 3: "I'm Not Good at Meditation"

**Reality**: There's no "good" or "bad" at meditation. If you sat down and tried, you meditated. The practice is in the trying, not in achieving some special state.

Myth 4: "I Need Special Equipment or Space"

**Reality**: You need nothing but yourself. No cushion, no incense, no special room. Meditate in your car before work, on your lunch break, or in bed before sleep.

Myth 5: "Meditation Is Religious"

**Reality**: While meditation has roots in various spiritual traditions, the practice itself is secular. It's mental training, like exercise for your brain. You can practice regardless of your beliefs.

The Truth

Meditation is simpler than you think:

That's it. Everything else is optional.