10 Meditation Myths

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m just not good at meditating”—you’re not alone. So many of us have picked up this idea that meditation has to look a certain way to “count.” And the fear of not doing it right, that we won’t be able to silence our minds, the idea that we’re ultimately just wasting our time if we even try is holding so many of us back from even giving it a shot. 

Meditation isn’t about silencing your mind and floating into another dimension while burning incense and chanting in Sanskrit (unless you’re into that obviously - sometimes it can be my thing!). The point is, meditation is simply about coming back to yourself - whatever that means for you. 

Let’s clear up a few myths so you can finally experience the kind of meditation that actually works for your brain, your energy, and your life.

1. Myth: “I have to clear my mind completely.”

Truth: Meditation isn’t about having zero thoughts. It’s about noticing them without getting dragged into the thought spiral. Your brain isn’t broken if it’s busy—you’re just human. Think of it like clouds drifting across the sky—you don’t have to chase them. You can simply observe that they’re there, and let them float by. 

2. Myth: “Meditation takes too much time.”

Truth: Even 2–3 minutes of stillness can shift your entire vibe. Micro moments matter. A few mindful breaths? That’s meditation. Grounding yourself in mindful, deep breathing for just a few moments can have a profound - and cumulative - impact on the rest of your day.

3. Myth: “I’m bad at meditating because I get distracted.”

Truth: Getting distracted is part of the practice. The moment you notice you’ve drifted and gently return? That’s meditation. You didn’t mess it up—you just nailed it.

4. Myth: “I have to sit in silence and do nothing.”

Truth: Meditation can be walking, doodling, crocheting, dancing, breathwork, or staring at the sky. Stillness isn't always physical—it’s presence, intention, centering yourself within yourself. 

5. Myth: “Meditation is only for spiritual or ‘zen’ people.”

Truth: Meditation is for stressed moms, overwhelmed entrepreneurs, perfectionists, overthinkers, creatives, introverts, extroverts… Basically, anyone with a brain and a body can find benefit in meditation.

6. Myth: “I need to be in a peaceful space to meditate.”

Truth: Calm spaces are great, but they’re not a requirement. You can meditate in your car, in your kitchen, at your desk—even in the chaos of a house full of screaming kids, or a busy event at work. Life doesn’t have to pause for you to drop in.

7. Myth: “You need a fancy ritual to start meditating.”

Truth: You don’t need crystals, incense, music, or a special “zen” room in your house to meditate. Maybe those things will bring you more peace and comfort at some level, but the fact is, all you need to meditate is a moment. And a breath. That’s it. 

8. Myth: “Meditation = instant calm.”

Truth: Sometimes meditation brings up the stuff you’ve been avoiding. That’s part of the healing. It might feel uncomfortable before it feels peaceful. And that’s okay. You’re not doing it wrong. Sometimes you have to work through the hard stuff to get to the good stuff on the other side. 

9. Myth: “I need a meditation app or teacher to do it right.”

Truth: Those things can help—but they’re not necessary. Your breath, your presence, and your intention are more than enough.

10. Myth: “If I don’t do it every day, it doesn’t count.”

Truth: Perfection is not the goal. Presence is. Every time you return to yourself, it counts. Even one conscious breath can shift your energy. Once you get into the habit of dropping into yourself for a moment of calm, you might find yourself craving more of it instead of trying to remember to fit it into your schedule like any other chore or task. But whether you meditate every day or once a month, it still counts. 

Final Thought:

Meditation is not about doing it “right”—it’s about reconnecting with yourself. So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect headspace… let this be your permission to start imperfectly. Because the truth is: you can’t get this wrong.

✨ And if you need help finding your meditation style, download the free guide here. Whether you’re in a quiet room at home or at a three-year-old’s birthday party… whether you have 30 minutes to dedicate or just 2-3, find your meditation style here: www.jesscallahan.com/meditation-guide