Two Misconceptions about Meditation

For more than a decade, Sam W. Lee has served at Massachusetts General Hospital as the associate director of the facility’s Cutaneous Biology Research Center. Outside of his professional life, Sam W. Lee participates in a number of activities aimed at promoting both mental and physical health, including meditation.

Meditation is a practice that offers both relaxation and self-awareness. Beginners often have some misconceptions about the practice. Here are two common myths about meditation.

One pervasive misconception about meditation is that it takes a number of years to master. Stories that permeate the cultural conversation are often about monks and other spiritual types who reportedly go into isolation to meditate for years on end. The truth, however, is that a person can see benefits from meditation on the very first day. While it is a skill that develops over time, there are no significant barriers to entry, regardless of a person’s experience.

While meditation does offer relaxation benefits, some have asserted that the practice is only about relaxing, which is not the case. Being centered, which is the goal of meditation, is a profound state in which individuals can achieve a heightened state of self-awareness, which helps them to make better, more conscientious decisions in their everyday lives.