In recent years, guided meditation has become more and more popular as a method to increase people’s overall mental health, mindfulness, and sleep. However, those new to the practice do not always have a good first experience. In this article, we’ll explain some of the common reasons why guided meditation fails so that you can be sure to avoid them.
1. High Expectations
Often, people participate in guided meditation and assume they will reap all of its many benefits after just one or two sessions. Although some people do see immediate results, it is best to think of guided meditation the same way we think of exercise. No one considers themselves to be in good shape after one trip to the gym. The same is true of your mind: it takes time to see results.
2. Lack of Consistency
Many times, people don’t receive the benefits of meditation because they don’t practice frequently enough. Again, you should think of your mind like you do your body: working it out regularly is the key to success.
3. Making New Habits is Stressful
Good habits are hard to create and maintain, and meditation is no exception. It can be stressful to begin a new practice, and it is understandably difficult for many people to get over this initial hump. However, once you do, the benefits are more than worth it!
4. Wrong Environment
Frequently, people don’t think enough about their surroundings when deciding where to meditate. Although different environments can work for different people, you want to try and make sure you are in a quiet, comfortable position where you can focus all of your energy on meditating.
5. Skepticism
In many cases, people come to guided meditation sessions with a skeptical mindset. Though this is understandable, it is something that you want to try and discard when actually meditating. Meditating is all about mindfulness and it is difficult to be mindful if you are distracted by skeptical thoughts.
6. Not Used to Sitting Still
Most newcomers to meditation are not used to sitting still for an extended period of time which makes it difficult for them to concentrate. Luckily, most people get over this struggle within the first few weeks of regular practice.
To help with this issue, it is recommended to work out before sitting for a meditation session. Yoga is the most common pre-meditation workout, but other forms of exercise (walking, running, etc.) are also acceptable if those are more your speed.
7. Wandering Minds
Almost everyone who tries meditation worries that their mind wanders too much. This is completely normal, especially if you are new to the practice. The more you practice, the less your mind will wander, but this isn’t something that will go away altogether.
It is a natural and healthy thing for our minds to wander, and part of meditation’s goal is to become a nonjudgmental observer of the thoughts that pass through our consciousness. Eventually, you will notice that the space between thoughts will increase and before long, 2 minutes will feel like 20.
8. Body Aches and Pains
Sometimes, people will report aches and pains after or during a meditation session. Thankfully, this is usually another easy fix. If you have aches and pains, especially in your back, you probably have poor posture. See the image below for some of the most common meditation positions and try to model yourself after them.
9. The Wrong Type of Meditation
Unsurprisingly, different types of meditation work better for different people. Start by doing some research on what is out there and make a list of which practices you think would work best for you. Too often, people don’t take this initial step and then end up in a situation that is completely wrong for them.
10. The Wrong Teacher
Similarly, not all instructors are for all people. Sometimes it’s a matter of expertise, but other times it’s a matter of personality. Like therapy, you shouldn’t give up after a session or two just because you don’t gel with one person.
Artemis Hill Farm
Artemis Hill Farm is a beautiful getaway in Orange County, New York that offers arresting views, cozy accommodations, and exquisite wildlife. We offer a large variety of experiences, including but not limited to guided meditation, charity and networking events, and writer’s retreats. Our many activities include horse meditation, donkey walks, trips to the local wineries, breweries and parks, and skiing. To learn more about Artemis Hill Farm and our array of services, please visit our homepage.
