Myths of Mindfulness

Richard W. Sears, PsyD, PhD, MBA, ABPP is a board-certified clinical psychologist who conducts trainings online and around the world. He is Director of the Center for Clinical Mindfulness & Meditation and a professor at the University of Cincinnati. He is author of over a dozen books, including Mindfulness: Living Through Challenges and Enriching Your Life in This Moment. He has a fifth-degree black belt in Ninjutsu and once served as a bodyguard for the Dalai Lama. He received ordination in three traditions, recognition as a Zen master, and has a PhD in Buddhist Studies. His website is www.psych-insights.com.

Introduction

Chapter 1: Myths about the Origins of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is strictly a religious practice.

Mindfulness comes from Buddhism.

If you are not practicing the full ethical code of Buddhism, you are not doing real mindfulness.

Mindfulness practice makes you a Zen master.

Chapter 2: Myths about What Mindfulness Is

Mindfulness makes you feel better.

Mindfulness makes you feel worse.

Mindfulness is about thinking positive.

Mindfulness makes you happy.

Mindfulness is about having a clear, empty, or blank mind.

Mindfulness is about changing consciousness.

When you are mindful, you rise above your emotions.

Mindfulness requires nonjudgmental acceptance of things.

Chapter 3: Myths about How Mindfulness is Similar and Different

Mindfulness is just breathing.

Mindfulness is the same as meditation.

Mindfulness is about visualizing peaceful scenes and positive outcomes.

Mindfulness is the same as relaxation.

Mindfulness is a kind of self-hypnosis.

Chapter 4: Myths about The Practice of Mindfulness

Only great saints can do mindfulness - it's not for me.

Mindfulness can only be done with formal, daily exercises.

Mindfulness takes a great deal of effort.

Mindfulness can only be done sitting still.

Mindfulness can only be done with eyes closed.

Mindfulness exercises have to be at least 45 minutes long.

You must move slowly to be mindful.

Chapter 5: Myths about the Magical and Mystical Effects of Mindfulness Practice

Mindfulness gives you ESP or magical powers.

Mindfulness is a mystical practice that makes you one with the universe.

Mindfulness gives you the meaning of life.

There are secret, advanced forms of mindfulness.

Chapter 6: Myths about Mindfulness and Mental and Physical Health

Mindfulness completely rewires the brain.

Mindfulness cures mental disorders.

Mindfulness always eliminates chronic pain.

Mindfulness cures medical diseases and makes you live a much longer lifespan.

Chapter 7: Myths about Mindfulness in Daily Life and Work

You can only be mindful in a peaceful setting.

It is important to be mindful at all times.

If you become too mindful, you will become unfeeling, and lose compassion for others.

If someone is mindful, they will forget appointments and responsibilities.

It takes years to become mindful.

Mindfulness interferes with your ability to work.

I don't have time to be mindful.