Difficulties in Meditation: Common Problems & Their Solutions
Yoga seems simple but those who have practiced it know that it isn't. Whether you are learning online or offline, it brings a lot of difficulties but thankfully, these challenges can be overcome with mindfulness and awareness about some core details.
Ekattva Yogshala - a yoga ashram in Rishikesh - created this blog to share common difficulties in offline and online meditation and solutions to tackle them. Let’s start!
Meditation Difficulties & Their Solutions
Below are the common offline and online meditation difficulties and their solutions:
Distractions (Offline+online)
Difficulty: Noise from family members or pets, notifications from smart devices, and environmental disturbances often disrupt the meditation practice in both offline and online setting.
Solution: Look for a quiet place free from distractions. Turn off your phone or turn off the notifications during the meditation session. If home is too noisy, go to a nearby park.
Technical Issues (online)
Difficulty: Slow internet connection, low battery, audio/video lag, or glitches in the meditation platform can detract while being part of the online meditation session.
Solution: Check your internet connection and equipment before starting the meditation session. Consider using a reliable meditation platform or app that offers good technical support.
Lack of Accountability (online+offline)
Difficulty: It becomes easier for young meditators to skip or shorten the meditation sessions if it's a free one or is being webcasted. Meditators often start avoiding online sessions for other daily routines.
Solution: Join online meditation programs led by experienced instructors so that you are engaged at all times. Set goals for your offline program and keep reminding yourself that skipping sessions will lead to missed yoga and meditation goals.
Recommended Reading:
A guide to live stream yoga classes
Difficulties in Focusing (offline+online)
Difficulty: Maintaining focus during offline or online meditation sessions often becomes difficult for practitioners who are prone to distractions or have a wandering mind. Since meditation is all about going deeper within self, it's not easy for some men and women.
Solution: Practice mindfulness techniques to improve awareness and concentration. Join online meditation sessions that help people anchor their attention. If online is distracting, go for offline ones.
Physical Discomfort (offline+online)
Difficulty: Sitting for extended periods in front of a screen or with people you are not familiar with often leads to discomfort. Back pain is one of the most common physical discomforts faced by practitioners who are not accustomed to sitting cross-legged.
Solution: To make your sitting more comfortable, use cushions or yoga props for comfort. Take short breaks and stretch your body or change your body position to eliminate the discomfort while meditating.
Feeling disconnected (offline+online)
Difficulty: While online meditation may seem to be lacking the sense of connection and community fostered by in-person practice, offline meditation can also be disconnecting for introverted personalities. It can potentially lead to feelings of isolation or disengagement.
Solution: Join online meditation programs where you can interact with your instructor and fellow participants in real-time. Engage in group discussions, Q&A sessions, and virtual social gatherings to foster a sense of community. Offline practice with familiar people is easier as well.
Screen Fatigue (online)
Difficulty: Excessive screen time can contribute to eye strain, mental fatigue, and overall digital burnout. Screen fatigue can detract the meditators from the quality of meditation practice.
Solution: Set limitations on your digital consumption outside the online meditation sessions. Take regular breaks and engage yourself in activities that don’t involve screens.
Difficulties in meditation: Final Words
We hope that the above article helped you learn about the most common difficulties in online meditation and offline practice along with solutions to overcome them. Always check online reviews and program highlights of the online meditation program before booking your spot.
Want to join our online meditation program? Email us at info@spiritualpunditz.com to book your seat.
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