What common mistakes should beginners avoid?
Written by
Tran Quang
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.New students often fall into predictable traps with meditation, as I have observed in my twenty years of teaching. Familiarity with the mistakes will lessen the frustration. Your practice will progress more smoothly by avoiding the common errors. The first step to improvement is awareness.
Result Expectations
- Demanding instant transformation creates pressure
- Benefits develop gradually like physical fitness
- Notice subtle changes first like calmer reactions
Mind Wandering Frustration
- Anger over distractions defeats meditation's purpose
- Thoughts are natural - redirection builds skill
- Label thoughts neutrally without judgment
Avoiding physical discomfort leads to avoiding choice altogether. Adjust your position when you feel discomfort, whether it's after a successful attempt or during practice. I alternate between sitting on a cushion and sitting in a chair. You want to prevent pain from undermining your practice. Discomfort is a signal that encourages change, not weakness. Respect what your body is indicating to you.
Comparisons poison progress. Each person's meditation journey differs. I remind students daily. Your nervous system responds uniquely. Focus on personal milestones. Small, consistent steps create lasting change.
Experience patience through acceptance. Mind wandering is a training tool. Frustration is a training tool. I treat all experiences as valuable opportunities to train. You build resilience through these moments. Progress incurs persistence.
Read the full article: 10 Meditation Techniques for Beginners
