Enough With the Cult of Meditation
Think twice before making this trend a part of your routine.
It feels shady writing this piece because I am an enthusiastic advocate of quieting the mind.
Meditation is a powerful mental tool. It keeps me sane, focused and happy.
I started living it because it made me feel good. And I wanted to believe that it can elevate pains of others.
Yet, not everyone is at the point in life where they can dive into a selfless deed of meditation.
Since 2012 the number of people practising meditation has tripled.
The value of the global meditation market is set to reach $9 billion by 2027.
Some of the most popular books sold on Amazon are books that focus on self-development and teaching the practice of mindfulness.
I have faced the brutal truth that people will exploit every opportunity to capitalize on the vulnerability of those who look for quick fixes.
It gets harder to single out generous souls who tap into compassion and guide others toward a life free of anxiety and stress.
Meditation Has Become A Trend.
It caught my attention that people feel obliged to meditate because everyone is doing it.
But is the meaning behind the practice lost due to growing consumerism?
Is meditation still a lifestyle or more a commodity glorified to skyrocket sales?
The problem with fads is they become a must-have rather than a source of inner power.
But a spiritual journey is a constant transformation.
Meditation shouldn’t be about reaching a one-time goal. It should be approached as a lifestyle.
Why Do You Meditate?
If it makes you feel good. Keep going.
If it calms down your racing thoughts. Combine it with intentional breathing and do it more.
If quieting your mind brings you answers. Dig deeper.
But if meditation has turned into a nuisance, and you feel bored. Cut it out.
Your Purpose Is To Live.
You didn’t come here on Earth to sit quietly and get bored with your existence.
You came here to experience. And yes, it entails making mistakes, screwing up and fixing missteps.
If after quitting meditation you find your life more chaotic and uncomfortable, then go back to meditating on your terms.
Meditation shouldn’t feel like a burden to follow or make us feel like an outsider for not subscribing to the movement.
Meditation Should Feel Accessible.
You don’t need an app to tell you when to inhale peace and exhale bulls*it.
The goal of meditation is to bring awareness to your thoughts, breath, and self. But it is not the only way to focus on the present moment.
Some people thrive on exercising, walking through bustling cities and sipping coffee at cute cafés. Others enjoy playing with their pet or journaling. There is no wrong way as long as it serves you.
You can expand the meaning of mindfulness beyond sitting cross-legged with your thoughts.
Take a Breather.
There is nothing wrong with hitting breaks and enjoying where you are in this moment of life.
If you made new friends, and they want to hang out more in the evening, but the plans clash with your meditation routine, switch the routine. Be flexible. Go out and participate in life.
Don’t shut the world out because you have a trend to keep up. You won’t come off as a loser.
Keeping Up With the Joneses will make you one. TikTok may be a downpour of trendsetters, but you don’t have to buy into every fad just because it looks fab.
Do you.
Do what makes your heart sing in the moment. Find your way of meditating. There is no right or wrong as long as you polish your authenticity in it.
When does meditation begin? It begins when you are aware. Meditation Is Life.
And do you know the best thing about taking a break from meditation?
It feels so good when you come back.
Dear reader, I wish you freedom.
Freedom to choose on your terms what serves you best.
Thank you for being here, — Kate