Is It Selfish to Meditate?
Is it selfish to meditate? No, it is not selfish to take time to meditate for yourself. In fact, it’s actually quite the opposite. By taking time out to meditate, you’re actually doing something incredibly selfless, as you’re improving your mind and well-being. This will have a positive ripple effect on all those around you, as you’ll be in a better mood and be more patient and understanding with others.
Are you wondering if it is selfish to meditate? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of people feel guilty about taking time for themselves, especially when there are so many other things that need to be done. But the truth is, meditation is one of the most selfless things you can do.
In this blog post, we’ll answer the question is it selfish to meditate a bit more in detail and explore why meditation is not selfish, and how it can actually be one of the most giving things you do for yourself (and for others).
What Is Meditation?
You’ve probably heard of meditation, but you may not know exactly what it is. Meditation is a practice that can be used for many different purposes, including relaxation, stress relief, and increasing focus and concentration.
There are many different types of meditation, but the basic premise is always the same: you focus your attention on something, whether it’s your breath, a mantra, or a certain object, and you let everything else fall away.
This may sound easy, but it’s actually quite difficult to do! Our minds are always racing, and it can be hard to quiet the noise. But with practice, anyone can learn how to meditate.
What are The Benefits of Meditation?
So why bother learning how to meditate? There are actually many benefits of meditation. Studies have shown that meditation can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help improve sleep quality, increase energy levels and focus, and boost immunity. In fact, there are really no downsides to meditation—it’s all positive!
How to Get Started with Meditation
If you’re interested in trying meditation, there are a few things you should know before you get started. First of all, there’s no “right” way to meditate—everyone has their own method that works best for them. And second of all, it takes practice! Don’t expect to be able to clear your mind completely the first time you sit down to meditate. Just keep at it and eventually, you will get better at it.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. You don’t need anything special—a meditation pillow or yoga mat will do just fine.
- Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- If your mind starts wandering (which it will!), just gently bring your attention back to your breath.
- Start with 5 minutes per day and gradually increase the amount of time you meditate each day as you get more comfortable with it.
- Don’t worry if you can’t “do it right”—there is no right or wrong way to meditate! Just do what feels comfortable for you.
Related: How to Create a Safe Place for Meditation
What Does It Mean to Be Selfish?
Now that we’ve gone over what meditation is and some of the benefits of practicing it, let’s talk about whether or not it is selfish to meditate.
The definition of selfish is “concerned chiefly or excessively with oneself; seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others.”
Based on this definition, it would seem that meditation is indeed selfish. But is it really? Let’s take a closer look.
Meditation is Good for You—And That’s Not Selfish!
As we mentioned before, there are many benefits to meditation. And while it is true that these benefits are primarily for the individual, it’s important to remember that when you take care of yourself, you’re also taking care of those around you.
Think about it this way: when you’re stressed out, anxious, or depressed, you’re not exactly the best version of yourself. You may snap at your loved ones, or withdraw from social situations. But when you’re calm and centered, you’re able to be the best possible version of yourself—and that benefits everyone in your life.
So while it may seem selfish to take time out of your day to meditate, in reality, you’re actually doing it for the benefit of those around you as well.
The Difference Between Being Selfish and Taking Care of Oneself
It’s important to distinguish between being selfish and taking care of oneself. Being selfish is all about putting your own needs above those of others, with no regard for how your actions may impact them.
Taking care of oneself, on the other hand, is about finding a balance between meeting your own needs and the needs of others.
How to Deal with Feelings of Guilt or Selfishness While Meditating
Even though meditation is good for you and those around you, it’s not uncommon to feel a little bit guilty or selfish when you first start doing it. After all, it can be hard to justify taking time for yourself when there are so many other things that need your attention.
If you find yourself feeling this way, here are a few tips to help you overcome it:
Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish. In fact, it’s actually one of the most selfless things you can do.
Start small. If 5 minutes feels like too much, start with 2 or 3 minutes. You can always increase the amount of time you meditate as you get more comfortable with it.
Think of meditation as an investment in your future. The better you take care of yourself now, the better you’ll be able to handle whatever life throws your way in the future.
Find a time that works for you. If you have trouble carving out time for yourself during the day, try meditating first thing in the morning or right before bed.
Get rid of any expectations. Meditation is not about achieving a certain state of mind. It’s simply about being present and aware of your thoughts and emotions.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about meditation:
How Long Should I Meditate For?
This depends on how long you can set aside to meditate. Some people can only set aside a few minutes each day to meditate while others have a lot of time to devote to meditation. The main thing is that you are taking time to collect yourself. Meditation can help you do that.
Can I Meditate with Music?
Yes, you can meditate with music in the background if it helps you to concentrate and focus on centering yourself.
Final Thoughts
Selfish is a strong word and it’s important to remember the difference between being selfish and taking care of oneself. When you take time for yourself, you’re investing in your future- so don’t feel guilty!
Meditation is an excellent way to take care of yourself, and there are many different ways to do it. If you find that 5 minutes is too much, start with 2 or 3 minutes and work your way up.
Just be patient and keep at it- the benefits are worth it!
