1.) Myth: I have to sit in lotus.
Truth: Sitting in full lotus is crazy and downright painful for most of us. Love your knees; sit in a chair, lie down, sit on your couch. Be comfortable!
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2.) Myth: You have to be a vegan, vegetarian, raw foodie, etc…
Truth: Have your steak and meditate on it, too. Being a carnivore does not exclude you from finding inner peace.
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3.) Myth: Don’t all meditators like patchouli?
Truth: Patchouli can be unruly for some folks. Incense and oils not required.
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4.) Myth: I have to chant a foreign mantra.
Truth: While this works for some folks, you are allowed to speak in whatever language you choose.
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5.) Myth: I have to stop thinking in order to be meditating.
Truth: The monkey mind rarely sleeps, even for experienced meditators. The trick is to watch your thoughts, instead of thinking them.
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6.) Myth: I won’t be able to sit still for more than five minutes.
Truth: You create your own reality… give 10, 15, or even 20 minutes a chance.
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7.) Myth: I’ll have to give up wine, beer, cursing, sex, fill-in-the-blank.
Truth: Meditation is not about giving up things, rather it is about experiencing life through a newfound awareness. You may feel pulled to give up or change certain things, you may not.
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8.) Myth: I must pick one technique/method and stick with it.
Truth: The world of meditation is your oyster. You may eventually gravitate toward one particular method, but do experiment. It’s fun!
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9.) Myth: I will become a spaced-out hippy.
Truth: I love spaced-out hippies! Seriously, you will become more of your true self. It won’t feel like something foreign, rather a homecoming. Get ready for something special to be revealed : )
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10.) Myth: I must do it exactly like my teacher, this book, fill-in-the blank.
Truth: You are the key master and the gatekeeper. Only you know the way “in” to you.
