Meditation is an incredibly useful practice, but it can be difficult to know if you’re doing it correctly. Luckily, a few key signs can help you determine whether your meditation is on track. First, correct meditation should be free of distractions.
If your mind keeps wandering, simply return your focus to your breath or the sensation of your body. Secondly, correct meditation should not involve any effort. You should simply allow yourself to relax and be present in the moment. And finally, correct meditation will lead to feelings of peace and well-being.
If you find that your practice is stressing you out or making you anxious, you may be making one of the common mistakes people make when they meditate. However, if you can avoid these pitfalls, you’ll likely find that meditation is a rewarding and beneficial experience.
Let’s look at some signs which show whether you are meditating correctly or not.
Signs of Meditative Progress
You Feel Motivated
One of the most common signs of meditating correctly is feeling motivated. Meditation should give you a sense of fullness and energy without making you feel antsy. If you find yourself feeling more energetic and motivated after meditation, it is likely that you are doing it correctly.
Additionally, meditation should help you to focus and concentrate. If you find that your mind is wandering less during the day, and that you are able to better focus on tasks at hand.
Your Sleep Quality Improves
There are a few key indicators that you’re meditating correctly and reaping all the benefits. One is that you’ll notice your sleep quality improving. Meditation eliminates insomnia by calming the mind and body, which allows you to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep throughout the night.
You’ll also find that you’re better able to handle stress. This is because meditation helps to control the fight-or-flight response, which is what causes feelings of anxiety and panic. Lastly, you’ll simply feel more relaxed and at peace overall. If you’re feeling these things, then congratulations – you’re meditating correctly!
You No Longer Need Scented Candles and Dark Rooms
One of the signs you are meditating correctly is that you no longer need scented candles and darkrooms. You can now do it anywhere and anytime. You can do it while walking, driving, or even having a conversation. You might find yourself zoning out in the middle of a sentence, but that’s okay. It means your mind is no longer racing.
Another sign is that you become more aware of your surroundings. You might notice the colors around you more or the sounds of birds chirping. You might also start to see things from a different perspective. Lastly, you might find yourself feeling more connected to others and nature.
You No Longer Feel Stressed, Anxious or Depressed
Meditation has a plethora of benefits, and you may be wondering how to tell if you’re doing it correctly. For example, one sign is that you feel less stressed, anxious and depressed. This is because meditation helps to calm the mind and body, and does away with the “monkey mind” chatters.
Other signs include feeling more present and aware, feeling more connected to your breath, and having a more positive outlook on life. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, then chances are you’re doing meditation correctly.
Just remember that there is no “correct” way to meditate, so don’t worry about doing it perfectly. The most important thing is that you’re enjoying the process and reaping the benefits.
Mistakes to Avoid When Meditating
Depending Too Much on Guided Meditation
Many people love guided meditation because it’s easy to follow along, and you don’t have to worry about doing it wrong. However, relying too much on guided meditation can actually be a meditation mistake.
If you depend on someone else to lead you through your meditation, you might find it difficult to meditate on your own later. It’s important to be able to meditate without any help so that you can do it anytime, anywhere. Don’t get too reliant on guided meditation – instead, use it as a tool to help you learn how to meditate on your own.
Holding On to Your Thoughts
One of the biggest meditation mistakes people make is holding on to their thoughts. This can be difficult to grasp, as we’re so used to engaging with our thoughts all the time. But in meditation, it’s important to let go of your thoughts and simply observe them.
This doesn’t mean you should try to blank your mind – that’s actually impossible. Instead, focus on your breath and let your thoughts come and go without attaching to them. If you find your mind wandering, simply bring your attention back to your breath. With practice, you’ll be able to let go of your thoughts and find inner peace.
Choosing the Wrong Time of Day
Another meditation mistake that people often make is choosing the wrong time of day to meditate. Some people think that they need to meditate first thing in the morning or at some other specific time. However, the reality is that the best time to meditate is whenever it works best for you. If you’re a morning person, then meditation in the morning might be ideal.
However, if you find that you’re always rushing around in the morning and never have any time to yourself, then meditation at night might be a better option. The important thing is to choose a time that suits you, and you’ll be able to stick to it regularly.
Final Word
For meditation to be effective, it is important to know whether or not you are doing it correctly. It is also important to be aware of the meditation mistakes that you might make on the way.
However, there are a lot of things about meditation which need to be experienced, rather than studied theoretically.
Therefore, try to stay patient, and meditate wholeheartedly. If you are persistent enough, you will be meditating flawlessly in no time.
