6-Reasons Why You Say You Can’t Meditate, and Why You Actually Can 

I’ve heard it so many times from people when I inquire if they’ve ever meditated or tried to practice some form of meditation, “I can’t meditate,” or “I tried it and it’s not for me.” We have so many excuses as to why we avoid the practice of meditation. We hear all the benefits and the research describing how it can positively impact your life, your mood, and your overall health, but the excuses just keep coming. Here are 6 reasons why someone will avoid practicing meditation that I have heard throughout my years as a clinician, and what to do or say to combat your avoidance and get yourself to start believing you can meditate.

1: Believing That You Don't Have Time For Meditation

If you have seen gurus performing meditation, then you know that they may sit for hours in a cross-legged pose. However, most individuals who meditate only practice it for a few minutes at a time, especially when starting out. This means that you only need to find two to five minutes in your entire day to perform meditation.

2: Thinking That It Is Too Difficult To Remain Still

During meditation, you are supposed to remain as still as possible, but if you have a lot of energy, then this may seem difficult. You can make it easier to remain still by creating a quiet space with a comfortable chair. Have a focusing object that you love such as a beautiful flower or figurine so that you can remain still while you are gazing at it. But also, try giving yourself some grace and recognizing that complete stillness is not necessary to receive the benefits of meditation.

3: Forgetting About Meditating Each Day

We might give ourselves an unrealistic goal of practicing meditation every day, so when we miss a day, it’s easy to completely fall off the practice. Yoga masters recommend meditating each day, but if you forget to meditate for a day, then it is okay. You can also set reminders to meditate on your phone, or start with a more realistic goal of once a week. 

4: It Leads To Uncomfortable & Intolerable Emotions

While meditating, you might have anxious feelings that you don't want to think about or seem intolerable to manage. However, one of the most important aspects of meditation is allowing yourself to experience those stressful thoughts and become more flexible with letting them go and refocusing on the present moment. This practice allows you to feel more capable in handling and managing your stressful thoughts when they pop up throughout the day.  

5: Meditation Isn't As Important As Other Things

If you are a busy person with numerous responsibilities, then meditating may not seem important to you, but meditation is a great way for you to manage your stress levels. The first step to combatting this excuse, is to prioritize your mental well being over other responsibilities you may have. Remember that you only need to meditate for a few minutes, and you don't need to have a special place or a lot of equipment to practice meditation. 

6: Meditation Requires Years Of Practice To Provide Results

You might avoid meditation because you think that it will require years to master so that you will have results. In reality, only a few minutes of meditation can reduce your blood pressure and help you gain control of your racing thoughts. Perfectionism can be a roadblock to actually engaging in meditation.

**** Written for Meridian Counseling by: Saba Kerendian, AMFT  Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 88936)

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