Common Misconceptions About Meditation

If you’ve ever said “I can’t meditate,” you’re already part of a long, honorable tradition — nearly everyone starts there.

Meditation isn’t about being perfect or peaceful all the time. It’s about noticing what’s true — the thoughts, the noise, the emotions — and learning to meet it all with compassion.

At Sangha House in Rogers Park, Chicago, we hear the same doubts again and again, and each one reveals a deeper truth about the practice. Let’s clear a few of them up.

Myth #1: “I can’t meditate because I can’t stop thinking.”

You’re not supposed to.
The mind thinks — that’s what it does. Meditation isn’t about stopping thought; it’s about changing your relationship to thought.

When you sit, you’ll notice your attention wandering. That’s not failure — that’s the moment of awakening. Each time you catch yourself and come back to the breath, you’re strengthening awareness. That’s the practice.

“Meditation isn’t about having no thoughts. It’s about not being owned by them.”

If you’re just starting out, try our How to Meditate (Even When You Think You Can’t) guide for simple, practical ways to begin.

Myth #2: “Meditation is only for religious or spiritual people.”

While Sangha House is deeply inspired by Buddhist philosophy, meditation itself isn’t a religion — it’s a universal human skill.
You don’t need to believe in anything to sit, breathe, and notice your own experience.

Whether you come from a background of faith, doubt, or curiosity, meditation invites you to explore your mind directly — no dogma required.

Learn more about the roots and meaning of the practice in What Is Meditation?.

Myth #3: “I don’t have time to meditate.”

If you can find time to check your phone, you can meditate.
It doesn’t have to be a 30-minute sit in silence. Even 60 seconds of mindful breathing between tasks counts.

You can meditate on the train, while waiting in line, or before bed. Start small — consistency is far more important than duration.

At Sangha House, we offer short, guided meditations that fit real life — open to anyone, by donation.

Myth #4: “I need to be calm before I meditate.”

That’s like saying you need to be flexible before doing yoga.
You meditate because your mind is busy — not in spite of it.

Meditation isn’t about creating calm; it’s about learning how to stay with yourself when you’re not calm. Over time, calmness becomes a side effect rather than the goal.

Myth #5: “I’m not doing it right.”

Everyone feels that way at first. But there is no “right.” There’s just practice.
Sometimes meditation feels peaceful. Sometimes it feels chaotic. Both are valid and part of the process.

If you show up and breathe, you’re doing it right.

Myth #6: “Meditation means sitting perfectly still.”

Stillness isn’t required — presence is.
There are many forms of meditation:

• Walking meditation

• Sound or chanting meditation

• Guided visualization

• Creative or art-based mindfulness

At Sangha House, our sessions often blend traditional stillness with sound, creativity, or movement. We believe meditation should meet you where you are — not the other way around.

Myth #7: “It’s selfish to spend time meditating.”

In reality, it’s one of the most generous things you can do.
Meditation helps you respond rather than react. When you’re less caught in reactivity, you naturally become more compassionate toward others.

As the saying goes: “If you want to change the world, start by sitting quietly for a moment.”

The Truth About Meditation

Meditation doesn’t make you superhuman — it just helps you remember your humanity.

It’s not about escaping life but engaging it more fully. It’s not about perfection but presence.
And it’s not about being calm all the time — it’s about discovering who you are beneath all the noise.

Join a Community Meditation Event in Chicago or explore the Your Practice Collection to begin building your own rhythm of awareness.

Further Reading & Trusted Resources

• Lion’s Roar Magazine — Mindfulness in everyday life

• Tricycle: The Buddhist Review — Accessible meditation teachings

• Wisdom Publications — Classical and contemporary Buddhist wisdom

• Shambhala Publications — Authors like Pema Chödrön and Chögyam Trungpa

Closing Reflection

Meditation doesn’t require you to believe in anything mystical — only to be curious.
Every question, doubt, or “failed” session is part of the journey.

So the next time you sit and your mind feels like a thunderstorm — congratulations. You’re meditating.

“The moment you notice your mind has wandered,

that’s awareness. That’s awakening.”