Meditation: A Waste Of Time And Energy?

Many people dislike meditation, and there are several reasons for this. Some people find it boring, uncomfortable, or a waste of time. Others believe that it is too difficult to calm their minds, or that it is a selfish or spiritual activity. Some people also associate meditation with escapism, or believe that it will make them emotionless. Furthermore, the mind hates meditation because it goes against its very purpose: to think. However, meditation has been scientifically proven to have many health benefits, such as reduced anxiety and better emotional health.

Meditation is uncomfortable and boring

Meditation is uncomfortable. Sitting with your thoughts and feelings as they arise can be excruciating, especially when you are used to numbing yourself with distractions like social media. It can also be physically uncomfortable to sit cross-legged, though this is not a requirement.

The practice of meditation can bring up difficult emotions. As one writer puts it, "every thought I've ever had comes rushing in like a hangry child begging for a snack—whiny, insistent, and totally irrational". It can be scary to face yourself and your thoughts, especially if you realise that you don't like what you see.

Meditation can also be boring. If you go into it expecting excitement and entertainment, you will probably find it boring. However, many people find that the peace and enjoyment of meditation are unlike anything else in their daily lives.

The more active your mind is, the less you may want to meditate. It can be tiring for an already tired mind. However, this is exactly when meditation can be most beneficial. It gives the mind a break and can be a rare pleasure.

The mind is a precious tool, but when it's out of control, it can be a destructive monster. Meditation is a way to tame the mind, but the mind resists because it hates to stop thinking. It will do anything to divert your attention to your thoughts.

The struggle between wanting to meditate and not wanting to is common. It's going against what the mind enjoys doing. The key is to listen to the part of you that knows what's best and to be kind to yourself.

It's a time-consuming chore

Meditation is often viewed as a time-consuming chore, taking up valuable minutes or hours that could be spent on other activities. In today's fast-paced world, many people feel they simply don't have the time to spare for meditation. This is especially true for those with busy schedules, demanding jobs, or family commitments.

The idea of spending even a few minutes each day sitting in silence can seem like an unnecessary burden, and the thought of having to find a quiet place to meditate can be daunting for those with busy lifestyles. It can feel like just one more task on an already long to-do list.

For some, the time commitment required for meditation can seem overwhelming. They may feel that they need to meditate for extended periods to achieve any benefit, which can be off-putting for those with limited free time. Additionally, the perception that meditation requires consistent practice over a long period to be effective may deter people from even starting.

The time spent meditating can also bring up feelings of restlessness and impatience. The stillness and silence of meditation can highlight just how busy and active our minds usually are. Thoughts about unfinished tasks, future plans, and past events can flood in, making it challenging to stay focused on the present moment.

Furthermore, the idea of "taking time for oneself" can evoke feelings of guilt or selfishness. In a culture that often values productivity and busyness, carving out time for meditation can feel like an indulgence or a waste of time. People may feel pressured to constantly be doing something productive, and meditation can be seen as unproductive downtime.

However, it's important to recognize that meditation doesn't have to be a time-consuming chore. Short meditation sessions can be just as beneficial as longer ones, and the practice can be incorporated into daily routines in small but meaningful ways. For example, one can practice mindfulness while drinking their morning coffee, walking to work, or even scrolling through social media. By shifting the perspective on time and finding moments of presence throughout the day, meditation can become a natural part of one's daily life rather than a separate, time-consuming chore.

It's hard to calm my mind

The mind is a powerful tool, but it can be challenging to tame. The average person often experiences an overly active mind that is constantly thinking, analysing, and jumping from one thought to another. This is sometimes referred to as a "monkey mind", reflecting its restless and unpredictable nature.

When you try to meditate, your mind may resist the practice because it goes against its natural tendency to think and wander. It can be incredibly difficult to calm your mind and focus, especially if you have a lot on your mind or have had a busy day. The very act of trying to calm your mind may feel uncomfortable and exhausting.

The good news is that you are not alone in this struggle. Many people find it challenging to meditate, and it is completely normal to have these feelings of resistance. The important thing to remember is that meditation is a process, and it takes time and practice to master.

• Understand the resistance: Recognise that your mind may feel threatened by meditation because it goes against its natural tendency to think and wander. This awareness can help you approach meditation with more self-compassion and patience.
• Start small: If you're just starting out, keep your meditation sessions short, perhaps 5-10 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
• Let go of expectations: Meditation is not about achieving a completely quiet mind or reaching some ideal state. It's about noticing your thoughts and gently bringing your attention back when your mind wanders.
• Be kind to yourself: Avoid self-criticism or attaching too much importance to your performance. Instead, view meditation as a time to cultivate kindness and understanding towards yourself and your mind.
• Find a technique that works for you: There are many different meditation techniques available, such as breath meditation or guided meditations. Experiment to find what works best for you.
• Create a supportive environment: External distractions can make it harder to calm your mind. Try to minimise distractions by finding a quiet and comfortable space for your practice.
• Be consistent: Meditation is a practice, and its benefits are cumulative. Try to make it a daily habit, even if it's just for a few minutes each day.

Remember, the goal of meditation is not to achieve a perfectly calm mind but to cultivate awareness and acceptance of your thoughts. With time and practice, you will find it easier to observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them, leading to a greater sense of calm and clarity.

I'd rather be distracted

The mind is a powerful tool, but it can also be a destructive force when it's out of control. It's no wonder that many people struggle with incorporating meditation into their daily routines. The average person often experiences a mind that is overly active, constantly analysing past events and calculating future possibilities. This is what Buddhists call a "monkey mind", which tends to jump from branch to branch, never settling.

The very idea of meditation—of sitting still and doing nothing but observing your thoughts—can be uncomfortable and even excruciating for some. It can bring up feelings of fear, uncertainty and vulnerability. It can also be a huge time commitment, and in our fast-paced world, many of us feel we don't have time for it. We would rather be distracted by our to-do lists, social media, or entertainment.

Even the simple act of focusing on the breath can be incredibly difficult for overthinkers. The more active the mind, the less likely someone is to want to meditate. It's ironic because checking social media or watching videos is more tiring for the mind, while observing the breath gives the mind a break.

The struggle to meditate is essentially a battle between two parts of the mind: the reasonable mind and the emotional mind versus the wise mind. The reasonable and emotional mind want to solve problems, sort out past events, and be completely immersed in feelings. They are out of control and exhausting. Meanwhile, the wise mind knows that the mind needs a break and that meditation is good for you, but it's a small voice that's hard to hear.

So, why is it so hard to listen to the wise mind and meditate? It's because meditation goes against the very thing that the mind enjoys doing. The reasonable and emotional mind resist because meditation subdues their very purpose: thinking.

However, it's important to remember that meditation is not about controlling or fighting with your thoughts. It's about observing them without judgement and gently bringing your attention back to the present moment when your mind wanders. It's about establishing a friendly rapport with your mind and giving it a rest.

I don't see the benefits

I've heard that it can take years to see the benefits, and I don't have that kind of time. I want results now, not in a decade. I've got places to be and people to see. I can't spare 10 minutes a day, let alone an hour. I've tried, but it's just not for me. I can't switch off my thoughts and be present. I have a busy mind, and I like it that way. I'm always thinking, planning, and analysing. I don't want to calm my mind; I want to keep it active and engaged.

Meditation is uncomfortable. I don't want to sit with my thoughts and feelings. I'd rather distract myself with social media or TV. I don't want to face my thoughts; I want to escape them. I don't need to be more aware of my thoughts and feelings; I want to keep busy and get things done. I don't want to be present; I want to plan for the future. I don't want to calm down; I want to keep going.

I don't see the point of meditation. It's not going to help me achieve my goals. I can't just sit and breathe; I need to be active and make things happen. I don't need clarity; I need results. I don't need to control my mind; I need to control my environment and make things work for me. I don't have time to sit and do nothing. I have a life to live and things to achieve.

I know meditation has benefits, but I can't bring myself to do it. I've tried, but it's just not for me. I don't see the point, and I don't have the time. I'd rather spend my time doing something productive. I can't just switch off, and I don't want to. I like having a busy mind and a full schedule. I don't need meditation to slow me down.

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