As a beginner, how can you tell if you're meditating incorrectly?

Have you been meditating for a while without really feeling any results? That doesn’t necessarily mean meditation isn’t working for you—it could also mean that you’re not applying the technique correctly. Here are the signs to watch out for.

Sign 1: You have to force yourself to sit down. Meditation shouldn’t require willpower. If every session feels like a task you have to check off your list, the technique itself is probably too strenuous for what it’s supposed to be.

Sign 2: Trying to “clear” your mind makes you more restless. Actively trying not to think about anything backfires—the harder you push, the more thoughts come. This is one of the most common beginner mistakes with self-taught techniques.

Sign 3: After every session, you wonder whether it went “right.” Without someone to confirm it, you’re left guessing. This often leads to inconsistent practice—and eventually, giving up.

Sign 4: You still don’t notice anything after weeks. When the technique is applied correctly, the first effects (greater relaxation, a slightly calmer state of mind) are usually noticeable within the first few days. If you don’t experience any of that at all, it’s a sign that you should have your technique checked.

What helps here. The difference between self-taught and personally taught meditation lies precisely in this: with Transcendental Meditation, your technique is checked from day one to ensure you’re applying it correctly, and that guidance remains available for life through free check-in sessions. That way, you never have to guess whether you’re doing it “right.”

Curious to experience it for yourself? Attend a free, no-obligation introductory lecture: https://www.tm.nl/lezingen