Why we Avoid it

by Courtney Beck

Meditation works! It has been proven through studies that the regular practice of meditation is beneficial to our overall well-being.

It assists us in the ascension process, opens and activates our intuitive and psychic gifts (yes, we all have some) and helps to relieve stress. Furthermore, it improves our overall health, enhances our memory, and elevates our emotional state.

As a mindfulness practice, the benefits are plentiful and well worth the time and effort we put into learning the art of achieving inner stillness.

And it is an art form. It's a learned skill that, with time, commitment, and consistent practice, can be honed into one of the healthiest, most relaxing and enlightening experiences we can have.

So, if all this is true, (and it is) why are so many of us loathe to attempt, let alone commit to, the daily practice of meditation?

Let's explore the excuses we make and the roadblocks to investing ourselves in this healing spiritual practice.

1. Why Bother? It Sounds Boring. It won't Really Work Anyway.

This one is a real doozy. The belief that 'just sitting there' is what meditation is really all about keeps us from diving deep and truly exploring it.

This belief comes from a fundamental lack of information and understanding about what meditation means, how to do it, and the benefits we derive from it.

Becoming informed about the benefits of meditation, as well as learning how to meditate, is the first step in ending this resistance. For more information on the benefits of meditation, check out my blog post entitiled 5 Benefits of Meditation.

2. I'm too Busy. I Don't have Time.

We all use this one. From taking time to exercise to cooking healthy meals, we can find an excuse to avoid just about anything. But are you too busy? Let's explore this thought paradigm, shall we?

I've used this excuse myself frequently about many things. It's an easy go-to response. But how we spend our time is always a choice. If it's important enough, we will find the time to do it. Period.

Watching Netflix? You have time to meditate. Worrying about the future? You have time to meditate. Got an alarm clock? You can get up 20 minutes earlier to meditate. Scrolling on your phone? Put it down for a bit, chill out, and meditate.

Got it? Alrighty then!

3. I Can't Shut off my Thoughts. My Mind Races.

This is probably the most common reason I hear when discussing meditation with my clients and the reasons they avoid it. And it makes sense. If you believe that in order to meditate you have to be able to shut off all thought, is it any wonder people feel overwhelmed by the mere idea of it?

But, here's the thing. You don't have to be able to stop all thought to meditate, and you won't be able stop all thought during meditation. This is a common misconception. Let me explain.

When it comes to our overthinking minds, the purpose of meditation is to slow down our thoughts, become the 'observer' of our thoughts, and to realize that we are not our thoughts.

They're just thoughts.

Once we realize that we can observe them and let them go, we detach from them. Once we detach from them, they begin to slow down and dissipate. Watching them as if they were clouds drifting across the sky, we realize they're only thoughts, and they're only as powerful as the meaning we attach to them.

Additionally, the more active our minds are, the more we need to meditate. It's a sign that it's time to slow down, chill out, and reconnect with our Inner Being.

4. I Don't Really Know how to Meditate. Where do even I Begin?

And it's true. If you've never learned how to properly meditate, it can be a confusing and daunting prospect. If you've tried and failed in the past, it can feel like an uphill battle.

But you can learn to do it. It's a skill, and like any skill worth learning, it takes the following:

• Proper training

• Practice

• Persistence

• Commitment

• Resolve

And it's really quite easy to learn. With proper guidance from experienced meditation expert, you can learn to meditate in less than one hour. I promise!

I've trained countless clients in the skill of meditation. Hard core, adamant, over-thinkers who said there was no way they'd ever be able to do it. And guess what? They did!

And, with guidance and practice, so can you!

Are you struggling to get going with meditation?

Let me know in the comments.

​© 2020 by Courtney Beck. All Rights Reserved.