Many beginners believe they’re failing at meditation when thoughts intrude but that is the right path, says ABHI SINGHAL
Staying calm and centred is not something everyone can effortlessly achieve. True silence and inner calmness stem from within, and they are cultivated over time through consistent practice. When I speak of stillness and calm, I firmly believe that the most effective way to attain both is through meditation.
However, the moment the word meditation is mentioned, people tend to react in polarising ways. Some embrace it wholeheartedly, recognising it as a beautiful and transformative journey. Others shy away from it, assuming it to be a complex and intimidating process.
But in my experience, after engaging in conversations with people around me, I’ve realised that many are simply unaware of what meditation truly involves — largely because they have never actually tried it. I collected insights from two experts to talk about meditation, its myths, and the facts.
Meditation is a disciplined practice that trains the mind in attention and awareness. Its ultimate aim is to achieve a calm, mentally clear and emotionally stable state. It involves focusing on a particular point of concentration, such as one’s breath or a mantra, which gradually helps in detaching from habitual thought patterns. This process aids significantly in reducing stress, anxiety, and mental clutter.
Talking to Dr Astik Joshi, Child, Adolescent, and Forensic Psychiatrist, at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, he said, “It is a common myth that meditation instantly brings peace and calm. In reality, when one begins meditating, it often brings a heightened awareness of inner chaos, restlessness, or buried emotions. The initial phase can be uncomfortable as the mind resists stillness. True benefits come with consistent practice and patience.”
Beyond its capacity to induce calmness, meditation contributes meaningfully to one’s overall well-being. Regular practice is known to reduce anxiety, lower stress levels, and promote emotional resilience. Additionally, it can enhance sleep quality, elevate mood, and sharpen cognitive abilities.
Thus, meditation is not limited to providing inner peace-it also plays a crucial role in improving sleep habits, increasing focus, and contributing to holistic wellness. In this fast-paced and often overwhelming world, meditation has truly become the need of the hour, especially for today’s younger generation.
When someone begins their meditation journey, they often go through several emotional and mental phases. The moment you sit comfortably, close your eyes, and start to meditate, the real process begins. Contrary to common belief, your mind does not become quiet instantly. You may find yourself thinking more than ever before. This surge in thoughts often discourages beginners, who assume that they’re doing something wrong because they’re not feeling peaceful right away. But this is a misunderstanding.
As soon as you close your eyes and thoughts start flooding in, allow them to come. Acknowledge and accept them instead of resisting or running away. Gradually, you’ll notice that these thoughts begin to lose their power over you. They will pass through your mind without disturbing your emotional balance or affecting your inner state.
People practicing meditation often feel like it is a failure when thoughts start coming in while you close your eyes. “It is a myth that thinking during meditation indicates failure. The human mind is naturally active, and thoughts will arise, especially for beginners.
The key is not to eliminate thoughts but to become aware of them without attachment or judgment. Observing your thoughts and gently returning focus to your breath or mantra is a sign of progress. This practice strengthens mindfulness and builds mental discipline. Being aware that you’re thinking and choosing to refocus is a crucial step in meditation. Therefore, having thoughts is not a setback-it’s part of the journey and a sign that you’re on the right path,” told Dr Astik Joshi.
“Just like for fever you have to take medications for a course of time, the same way it will take some time to get in action and should give it that time,” says Yash Gupta, an Art of Living faculty and meditation expert. With regular practice, you will learn to disengage from these thoughts, which is especially beneficial in curbing over thinking.
Gradually, in the process of meditation you’ll notice that these thoughts begin to lose their power over you. They will pass through your mind without disturbing your emotional balance or affecting your inner state. They will make you calm and leave you distressed.
Breaking the Age Myth: Meditation is for Everyone
Meditation asks for no age. On asking Yash Gupta, Art of Living faculty and meditation expert, about the belief that meditation is only for adults, he broke this myth by explaining, “Meditation is for everyone who likes to stay calm and manage their emotions and take the right decision at the most difficult times. It helps you in better decision-making and better stability, resulting in a more stable and happy life. Also, it doesn’t have any age barrier - that is for sure.” Meditation is a powerful process that heals you both externally and internally.
Your Inner Shield Against Challenges
Whether you are dealing with workplace stress, relationship issues, friendship conflicts, loneliness, or any other personal struggle, meditation helps create a buffer between you and your problems. It equips you with a sense of emotional detachment that protects your peace. Over time, it teaches invaluable lessons and guides you toward meeting your truest self.