Many of us come to meditation carrying ideas about what it’s supposed to look like: how we should sit, feel, or think (and somehow do it all "right"). Let's explore a few common misunderstandings about meditation and mindfulness, along with a more integral and compassionate perspective. It really doesn't have to be that serious. :)  

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I can’t sit still, so I can’t meditate.

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Not quite. Meditation isn’t about staying perfectly still, or frozen. It’s about noticing and being aware. We can absolutely move, adjust, sway, stretch, or even fidget. Our animal body has innate wisdom so let it move.

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I have to sit like a mountain, cross-legged.

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Not quite. Mountains don't have knees to complain! There’s no required posture. We can sit in a chair, on the floor, lie down, or find any position that supports ease. Meditation is about presence, not performance.

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I need to stop my thoughts.

 

Not quite. The mind thinks. That’s what it does. Meditation invites us to observe thoughts without getting carried away by them, like the sky holds the sun, the moon, the stars.

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If I’m not calm, I’m doing it wrong.

 

Not quite. Calm can arise, but it’s not the goal. Restlessness, boredom, joy, irritation, all of it belongs. Meditation is the practice of meeting what is here, not what I wish was here.

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It’s all about watching the breath.

 

Not quite. The breath is one doorway. In this course, we explore many doorways that lead us into presence: body sensations, relational awareness, and conscious movement, partner inquiry, etc. 

 

Being mindful meaning I must notice everything that arises.

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Not quite. That'll be exhausting. Mindfulness is not about catching everything, and more about coming back, again and again.

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You Might Still Be Wondering…

 

Do I need any meditation experience?

 

Not at all. This course is designed to be accessible for beginners, while still meaningful for those with prior experience.

 

What if my mind is really busy?

 

That’s completely natural. Each time you notice your mind has wandered and gently return—that is the practice.

 

Do I have to sit still for long periods?

 

No. Alongside seated practice, we include conscious movement, partner exercises, and somatic exploration.

 

Is this a religious or spiritual course?

 

The course is rooted in mindfulness practices with ancient buddhist roots but offered in a practical, inclusive, and down-to-earth way.

 

What if I miss a session?

 

Each week stands on its own while also building over time. You’ll still be able to engage meaningfully with the course, even if you miss a session.

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So...

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​Meditation isn’t about becoming someone different. It’s about becoming more intimate with yourself, just

as you are. No perfect posture. No perfectly quiet mind. Just a willingness to arrive, notice… and return, even when your mind got other plans.

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