Mindfulness Myths: Common Misconceptions About Being Present
Mindfulness has become a buzzword in the world of mental health and wellbeing, often associated with meditation apps, yoga retreats, and serene Instagram feeds. But despite its growing popularity, there’s still a lot of confusion about what mindfulness actually is—and what it isn’t. As a counsellor, I regularly see clients who’ve been put off trying mindfulness because of a few persistent myths. So let’s clear the air and bust some common misconceptions about mindfulness.
Myth 1: Mindfulness means emptying your mind of all thoughts
This is probably the biggest misconception out there. People often assume that mindfulness is about “switching off” or having a completely blank mind. In reality, mindfulness is about noticing your thoughts—not getting rid of them. It’s about observing your inner experience without judgment, like watching clouds pass through the sky.
Thoughts will come and go—that’s totally normal. The key is learning not to get caught up in them.
Myth 2: You have to sit cross-legged and meditate for hours
While traditional mindfulness practices like seated meditation are valuable, they’re not the only way to be mindful. You can practise mindfulness while walking, eating, washing the dishes, or even brushing your teeth. Mindfulness is less about the posture or the time spent, and more about the quality of attention you bring to what you’re doing.
If you can take 30 seconds to pause and truly notice your breath, the sounds around you, or the feeling of your feet on the ground—you’re practising mindfulness.
Myth 3: Mindfulness is all about feeling calm and relaxed
Mindfulness can lead to a sense of calm over time, but that’s not its main goal. In fact, when you start practising mindfulness, you might become more aware of uncomfortable feelings or thoughts you’ve been avoiding. That’s part of the process.
Mindfulness is about accepting your present experience as it is, whether it’s pleasant, unpleasant, or somewhere in between. It’s about turning towards your experience with openness and curiosity—not trying to change it.
Myth 4: You have to be “good” at it
Many people try mindfulness a couple of times, feel distracted or restless, and assume they’re doing it wrong. But mindfulness isn’t something you succeed or fail at. It’s a skill that gets easier with practice.
The moment you notice your mind has wandered and gently bring it back—that is mindfulness. It’s that simple, and that powerful.
Myth 5: Mindfulness is only for spiritual or religious people
While mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist traditions, it’s been adapted into a secular practice that’s now widely used in psychology and healthcare. You don’t need to follow a particular belief system to benefit from mindfulness.
Many evidence-based therapies—like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)—use mindfulness as a core tool to help people manage anxiety, depression, and stress.
Final Thoughts
Mindfulness isn’t about escaping life—it’s about showing up for it. It’s not about getting rid of thoughts or feelings, but changing how you relate to them. And it’s not something reserved for monks or wellness gurus—it’s a simple, accessible practice for anyone wanting to live with more clarity, compassion, and presence.
If you’re interested in exploring mindfulness further, feel free to get in touch or check out some of the guided resources available on our website at www.sunnycoastcounselling.com.au or you can book an appointment with John Belchamber here.