Are you curious about meditation but hesitant to give it a try? Or have you tried meditation and found yourself experiencing some weird and uncomfortable sensations, which left you wondering why something that is supposed to be relaxing can actually be uncomfortable? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Many people who start meditating encounter unusual feelings that can be unsettling or even scary.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the strange sensations you might encounter during meditation, and offer some tips on how to deal with them.
Feeling like you’re falling or swaying
Sometimes during meditation, you may feel like you’re swaying or rocking back and forth. This sensation is actually quite common, especially for beginners. It can also feel like you’re on a boat, or like the ground is shifting beneath you. This feeling can bedisorienting, and might make you feel like you’re losing control.
One way to deal with this sensation is to focus on your breath. Take deep, slow breaths and try to anchor yourself in the present moment. If you’re still feeling uneasy, you can try opening your eyes and focusing on a fixed point in front of you.
Tingling or vibrating sensations
Another strange sensation you might experience during meditation is a tingling or vibrating feeling in your body. This sensation can be particularly intense in your hands and feet, and it might make you feel like your limbs are asleep. Some people describe this feeling as “pins and needles” or “electricity.”
This sensation is actually a sign that you’re deepening your meditation practice. It means that your energy is flowing more freely throughout your body. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, try to relax and focus on your breath. You can also try gently moving your fingers and toes to release any tension.
Feeling hot or cold
Have you ever felt like your body temperature is changing while meditating? This is another common sensation that can be unsettling. You might feel like you’re suddenly overheating, or like a chill is running through your body.
This sensation is a sign that your body is releasing tension and toxins. If you’re feeling too hot, try removing a layer of clothing or moving to a cooler location. If you’re feeling too cold, try adding a layer of clothing or wrapping yourself in a blanket.
Remember to focus on your breath and stay present in the moment.
Feeling like you’re floating or expanding
One of the most unusual sensations you might experience during meditation is feeling like you’re floating or expanding. This sensation can be quite pleasant, but it can also be unsettling. You might feel like you’re losing touch with reality or like you’re becoming disconnected from your body.
If you’re feeling this way, try to focus on your breath and anchor yourself in the present moment. You can also try gently touching your body or wiggling your fingers and toes to bring yourself back to your physical body.
Feeling like you’re sinking into the ground
During meditation, you might feel like your body is sinking into the ground, like you’re becoming more and more rooted with every breath. This sensation can be grounding and calming, but it can also be a little disorienting.
If you’re feeling uneasy, try to focus on your breath and visualize yourself becoming more and more grounded.
Feeling like you’re levitating
Contrary to the previous point, you might also feel like you’re levitating or floating during meditation. This sensation can be pleasant and relaxing, but it can also be a little disconcerting if you’re not used to it.
If you’re feeling like you’re floating away, try to focus on your breath and visualize yourself becoming more and more anchored.
Feeling like your body is stretching
You might also experience a stretching sensation during meditation, where it feels like your limbs are extending further and further away from your body.
This sensation can be intense, but it’s actually a sign that you’re releasing tension and stress from your body. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, try to breathe through the sensation and visualize yourself relaxing.
Feeling like you’re pulsing or vibrating
Another weird sensation you might experience during meditation is a pulsing or vibrating sensation. This is when it feels like your entire body is pulsating with energy. This sensation can be intense, but it’s actually a sign that you’re tapping into your inner energy and becoming more aware of your body.
If you’re feeling uncomfortable, try to breathe through the sensation and visualize yourself expanding and releasing any tension.
Feeling like you’re melting or dissolving
During meditation, you may feel like you’re melting or dissolving into the space around you. This sensation can be pleasant, but it can also be a little scary if you’re not used to it. If you’re feeling like you’re disappearing, try to focus on your breath and visualize yourself becoming more and more present in your body.
A word from Omihoop
Remember, meditation is a personal practice and everyone experiences it differently. Don’t worry too much about the weird sensations you may encounter, they are completely normal and can actually be signs of progress in your meditation journey.
Just keep breathing and stay present in the moment. Happy meditating!