I always thought meditation was not for me. My mind was too busy. I often hear the same from others when they know I practice yoga. They say things like they have too much energy, are too restless to sit still, cannot stop their thoughts, or are simply too fidgety to meditate. It is a shame because this misconception prevents many people from ever starting meditation. I, too, avoided it for a very long time, even though meditation is achievable for everyone, no matter how busy you are or whether you can sit still.
Let us take a look at what meditation really is and what it is not, so that some common misunderstandings can be cleared up.
The Roots of Meditation
The practice of meditation goes back thousands of years. In the oldest Indian scriptures, the Vedas and Upanishads, meditation, known as Dhyana in Sanskrit, is described as a path to consciousness and self-awareness. Later, yoga philosophy, particularly the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, included meditation as one of the eight steps on the path of yoga, the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
Other traditions developed their own forms as well, such as Vipassana in Buddhism or silence practices in Christianity. Across the world, meditation has been seen as a way to get closer to oneself, to reality, or to God.
What Meditation Is and Is Not
Meditation is about learning to work with your thoughts, not stopping them. Many people think you have to clear your mind or stop thinking during meditation. This misconception kept me from meditating for years until I read ‘Vrij‘ (‘Free’) by Dutch author Marnix Pauwels. Thoughts will always be there; that is part of being human. Meditation is about noticing these thoughts without getting carried away by them. You observe them, let them drift by, and continually return to your breath or another point of focus. With regular practice, you naturally develop more calm and space in your mind and learn to approach whatever arises with kindness. As Pauwels writes, thoughts do not define who you are, and meditation reinforces this understanding. By creating distance from your thoughts through meditation, you can respond more consciously, and old patterns, such as compulsive thoughts, compulsive behaviour, or self-medication, gradually lose their hold on you.
Meditation actually begins with a busy mind. Many people think they cannot meditate because their thoughts are too numerous or because their minds are constantly busy. But this is exactly where meditation starts. It is about observing your thoughts and gently returning your focus to something, such as your breath. With regular practice, you gradually cultivate a calmer mind and greater inner balance.
Meditation is not just a technique. Following your breath or listening to a guided meditation are excellent entry points, but meditation goes further. It is a way of being in which you learn to see your thoughts without becoming entangled in them.
Meditation has no complicated rules. You do not need to adopt special postures or sit still for hours. Even a few minutes of focused practice each day can already bring noticeable calm and clarity. What matters most is your attention, not how perfectly you do it.
Meditation does not necessarily mean sitting still. You do not have to sit still to meditate. During yoga, for example, movement can also lead to a meditative state, especially in sequences where poses are repeated or performed in the same order, such as the Sun Salutation, Sivananda yoga, or Ashtanga yoga. Movement alone is not meditation; it is about remaining consciously present during the poses and noticing what arises in your body and mind.
Meditation is not tied to any religion and is available to everyone. Whether you experience it spiritually, as a form of relaxation, or as a tool to regulate yourself, meditation is accessible to all.
Meditation is acceptance, not performance. Many people approach meditation as if they need to achieve something: calm, focus, or an empty mind. But striving often works against you. The essence of meditation is learning to sit with what is, without judgment or force. By accepting rather than improving, space and calm arise naturally. This attitude carries over into daily life. You respond more gently with greater resilience. No perfection is needed. You do not have to sit still for hours or empty your mind. By repeatedly returning your attention to your breath or focus, you gradually experience more calm and clarity.
Why Meditation Is Valuable
Regular meditation helps you approach life more calmly and resiliently. It creates a space between stimulus and response, allowing you to choose more consciously how you deal with situations. The best part is it is available to everyone at any time of the day. Just a few minutes daily can already make a difference.
Start Today
As long as you are willing to pause, breathe, and observe what is, you are already practising. The secret is not perfection but repetition. The more often you return, the more you notice the subtle effects: a calmer breath, gentler responses, and a clearer mind.