7 Common Myths About Meditation

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, but myths about what it is (and isn’t) still keep people from starting. Let’s clear up some of the most common misunderstandings so you can approach meditation with a more open and realistic mindset.

Myth 1: Meditation is sitting in silence.

Silence can be beautiful, and also nearly impossible for many people. While some forms of meditation are practiced in silence, there are countless others that are not. Yoga, jogging, walking, washing the dishes, chanting, listening to guided meditations, or immersing yourself in sound are all valid ways to meditate. The point is not silence. It is to step away from your busy life, reconnect with yourself, and calm the mind. And like any skill, it takes practice.

Myth 2: The goal of meditation is to clear your mind.

Some advanced practices involve moments when the mind goes quiet, but most meditation is about something else entirely. In mindfulness, for example, the goal is to notice your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without immediately reacting to them. This pause helps create space for compassion and choice. Other forms of meditation direct the mind toward a single subject, while still others encourage active imagination. Clearing your mind is not the benchmark. Presence is.

Myth 3: Meditation is always relaxing.

Relaxation is a common goal, and experienced meditators often find it naturally follows their practice. But meditation can also be uncomfortable, especially at first. Sitting with your inner experience may bring up truths you have been avoiding. That is part of the work. Over time, practicing helps your brain build the “muscle memory” of staying calm in the face of thoughts and feelings. Honor your own limits: if closing your eyes feels triggering, simply lower your gaze and soften your focus a few feet ahead. And if you have unresolved trauma, consult with a qualified therapist before beginning.

Myth 4: If your mind wanders, you are doing it wrong.

Noticing your mind wandering is actually a sign you are meditating. Mindfulness is about observing your inner world, not forcing it to change. With practice, you will spend less time swept away by thoughts and more time anchored in awareness. Over time, that can bring a deeper sense of steadiness and control.

Myth 5: Meditation is hard.

It can be challenging to sit for long periods, but you have probably experienced meditative states without realizing it: while driving a familiar route, showering, or exercising. Those moments of clarity and insight are your mind in a natural meditative rhythm. Formal meditation deepens this capacity, but remember: it is a practice, not perfection.

Myth 6: Meditation is religious.

Meditation exists in many religious traditions, but it can also be entirely secular. Some people use it to deepen spiritual connection, while others use it purely for mental, emotional, or physical benefits. Both approaches are valid. You can read more about this in our post on meditation and religion.

Myth 7: Meditation takes too much time.

Five minutes is enough to make a difference. You can fit it into your morning routine, a lunch break, or even right before bed. The key is consistency, not length.

The truth?

Meditation is as diverse as the people who practice it. It can be silent or filled with sound, still or moving, spiritual or secular, relaxing or challenging. The only way to know what it can do for you is to start and keep practicing.

If you are ready to begin, our Meditation 101 class is the perfect place to start.