3 Common Misconceptions About Mindfulness (and What It Really Means)

Mindfulness has become a buzzword in the wellness world, but what does it really mean? Many people have misconceptions about what mindfulness is and how to practice it. Today, I want to dive into three common myths that could be holding you back from fully embracing this powerful practice. 

 3) Mindfulness is the Same as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) 

A common misconception is that mindfulness is just another way to rewire your thinking, similar to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). But mindfulness isn’t driven by your mind at all. 

Instead of being led by cognitive functioning or over-analyzing your thoughts, mindfulness comes from the heart, body, and soul. It’s about being fully present, without judgment, and engaging with your surroundings on a deeper level. Imagine standing in front of a breathtaking sunset, feeling its beauty wash over you. In that moment, your mind is not racing with analysis or stories—it’s your heart and body that truly experience it. The essence of mindfulness is not about thinking or fixing, but about feeling and witnessing from your core. 

 2) You Need a Still Mind to Practice Mindfulness 

If you think you need a perfectly calm and quiet mind before you can practice mindfulness, you’re not alone. This is one of the biggest myths I encounter. Learning mindfulness is much like learning to ride a bike—you don’t need to know how to balance before you start. 

In fact, the whole point of mindfulness is learning to sit with the noise in your head. Every time your mind wanders or distracts you, that’s not a failure; it’s an opportunity. Noticing the distraction is the practice itself. It's like falling off a unicycle, picking yourself up, and getting back on. The aim isn’t perfection; it’s progress. 

If you want to quiet your mind, the best time to start working on that was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now. And guess what? You don’t have to do it alone—I’m here to support you. 

3) You Need to Be Positive All the Time to Practice Mindfulness 

There’s a widespread belief that mindfulness requires you to feel positive or maintain a “good vibe” constantly. This could not be further from the truth. 

Mindfulness isn’t about staying in a perpetual state of happiness or positivity; it’s about being present with whatever is happening, whether that’s joy, fear, anger, or sadness. It’s an act of honesty, a way of being with yourself and noticing what arises without judgment. Instead of pushing yourself to be positive all the time, invite yourself to be steady. Be steady with the good and steady with the difficult, noticing everything along the way. 

The practice of mindfulness gives you the strength to be real with yourself—whether that’s acknowledging a hard emotion or celebrating a beautiful moment. It’s less about feeling good all the time and more about learning to support yourself through all of life’s ebbs and flows. 

If any of these misconceptions have been holding you back, now is the perfect time to reframe your understanding and begin a more compassionate, heart-centred mindfulness journey. 

Interested in learning more? Connect with me below.