1. MINDFULNESS IS FOR TAKING A TIME-­OUT FROM LIFE AND RELAXING This myth likely developed because of the image of people sitting around at retreats with their eyes closed during meditation. Whereas it is true that at first mindfulness can give people a sense of relief from an anxious and overactive mind, mindfulness is not just that. The irony is that fully practicing mindfulness does typically lead to a quieter and less-­stressful experience of life, whereas forcibly trying to quiet things down (e.g., by planning an elaborate beach vacation with family or friends) can often make things more stressful. For more information on the differences between mindfulness and relaxing, please see Question 5. 2. YOU NEED TO CARVE OUT PLENTY OF TIME AND SPACE TO DO MINDFULNESS Mindfulness can be practiced in infinite ways, and what your day looks like determines what works for you. It can be helpful to set aside 20 min- utes each day to practice, but it is not necessary. You don’t need to fight to carve out the time to do it. Simply be mindful of whatever it is you are doing in the moment, whether showering, having a cup of tea, or walking Common Misconceptions about Mindfulness and Meditation
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