The 5 Most Common Mistakes People Make With Their Meditation Practice

It has been scientifically proven that a regular meditation practice is beneficial to the mind, body and spirit. Each one of us will have different meditation experiences. There will be days where we will experience profound insights during meditation and there will be days where we feel as if we are unable to quiet the mind. I have noticed there are 5 common mistakes people make in their meditation practice which causes them frustration with their own attempts at meditation. If they were to eliminate these behaviors, they would feel much more confident and be at ease when it comes to their own meditation experiences.

5 Common Mistakes

1. Meditating On a Full Stomach – A full stomach is not good for meditation because the body feels sluggish, uncomfortable and sometimes may cause you to fall asleep. Falling asleep during a meditation is not the worst thing that can happen, however the goal of meditation is for the mind to be awake and body asleep.
2. Compare Your Meditation Experiences To Other People’s Experiences – Each one of us receives information differently. By comparing yourself with others you are setting yourself up for failure because each  individual’s experience is meant to be different.
3. Not Unplugging From The Outside World – By not turning off your ringer, television or going into another room for privacy you will most certainly be distracted and not be able to fully enjoy your experience.
4. Judge The Length of Your Meditation – Just because you only have 20 minutes to meditate, it does not mean that you are falling short with your meditation practice. Sometimes, 20 minutes is just enough to reset your energy and reconnect with spirit.
5. Trying To Control Your Thoughts – Thoughts will come and go sometimes they will be about laundry and sometimes the answers to our dilemmas reveal themselves during meditation. It is best to allow thoughts to come and go without judgment. There is no right or wrong way of clearing the mind, simply allow the flow of ideas and thoughts to move through you. This is a natural process, thoughts come in and then leave us as another stream of consciousness flows in.

By avoiding these 5 common mistakes you should notice a difference in your personal meditation practice. Any time spent with the intention of going within is time well spent.

Blessings and Light,

Laurie Barraco

Laurie Barraco

Meditation Tips

Meditation Tips

Meditation is a quieting of the mind. Ideally, you'll allow thoughts to come and go as you become still and reconnect with your spirit.
What if I you cannot quiet your mind, should you give up? Absolutely not! This means you should meditate even more so! 

A quiet environment where you won't be disturbed is one of the most important elements to a successful meditation. If there is a lot of noise or traffic then select another space.

Is it okay to meditate outside? Absolutely, as long as you are able to allow thoughts to come and go.

Here are a few suggestions to help you quiet your mind:

• Create a space that is quiet and clear of clutter
• Sage or light incense to clear the air and purify your environment
• Light a candle to connect with spirit
• Turn off all cell phones and electronics, computers etc.
• Play some relaxing music ~ this is not a requirement but it does help set the mood
• Say a prayer of intention to connect with your higher self, angels or guides 
• With your intention or prayer ask a question that is pressing to you and ask for clarity, guidance and wisdom
• Hold a crystal, one that you connect with and that holds a high vibration
• Have a journal and pen near by to document your experience
• Breathe ~ if you are stuck with your thoughts, breathe in light and exhale stress
• Counting your breath helps you relax as well
• Realize some days it is easier to meditate than others
• If you cannot keep still, go outside and listen to the sounds of nature as well as the thoughts that run through your mind blessing them and letting them go
• Listening to a guided meditation, will most certainly give your busy mind a job to do
• If you meditate in the same spot you will create a vortex of energy therefore, each time you will be able to connect easier and more quickly

When you meditate, you raise your vibration and recalibrate your frequency. Raising your vibration puts you in alignment with more blessings, opportunities, better health, less stress, stronger intuition, more abundance, happier and healthier relationships.

There aren't any negative side effects from meditating! Your friends and family will thank you as you become happier and healthier and more patient with them!

Blessings,

Laurie