Mindfulness has become such a popular concept, with celebrities, politicians, and all sorts of influencers championing its benefits. But more attention paid to mindfulness also means more myths being shared. Here’s our attempt at debunking the 3 biggest mindfulness myths.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness isn’t just a concept or tool — it’s a lifestyle. In its simplest form, mindfulness refers to the practice of objectively acknowledging your thoughts in a calm manner and truly living in the moment. You can practice mindfulness in a range of methods — from more internal means like meditation or more active techniques like practicing yoga. The ultimate method you choose will depend on your personal preferences, mindfulness goals, and daily habits. What exactly are the benefits of mindfulness? The pros of mindfulness go so much more than better focus or concentration. Mindfulness reduces stress, improves performance. Through mindfulness, we cast aside any judgment and wholly embrace our thoughts — giving us a better understanding of ourselves.
Debunking myths about mindfulness
#1 Mindfulness is about relaxing
Some people equate mindfulness with relaxation because of the activities that mindfulness sometimes involves. Sure — meditation, meditation walks, and mindful eating seem like relaxing activities. But these activities are relaxing precisely because they’re mindful. When you do a mindful activity successful, you often feel relaxed as a result. Relaxation and improved moods are just some of the benefits of mindfulness — so be sure not to mistake mindfulness purely for relaxation! In addition to this, mindfulness requires reflection and critical thinking — not just feeling good.
#2 Mindfulness is a huge time commitment
People often get scared off by the concept of mindfulness being too much of a commitment. That’s because a small group of people who embrace mindfulness might be super eager to practice it every day and publicize it widely. But mindfulness isn’t that much of a commitment. You can practice it as often as you want — whether it’s once a day, week, or month. Remember: mindfulness is a really individualized experience. What works for someone else might not work for you. So avoid comparing your mindfulness journey with others and figure out which method and timings meet your needs best.
#3 Mindfulness is about being emotionless
On the contrary, mindfulness is actually about objectively embracing your emotions. Here’s an example of how you can do it with meditation: sit down in a quiet environment. Use a mindful tool like a Timeqube to keep track of time. Now, just let your thoughts and feelings surface. Consider how your day went, how you’ve felt, and what you wish had happened instead. Don’t fight your thoughts — just acknowledge them objectively as they come. This actually helps you resurface any hidden emotions and process them healthily. For beginners, this might initially be an emotional experience. However, with time, you’ll learn to acknowledge your emotions calmly and deal with them appropriately. At the end of 5 minutes, you’ll feel much more refreshed and happy.
Consider those myths debunked! Now that you’re more aware of exactly what mindfulness means, give it a go today!
