What is more important when learning meditation and mindfulness: theory or practice?
Theory and practice are both equally important!
On the one hand, if you don't know the theory, you won't know how to practise; on the other hand, if you learn a lot of theory but don't practise much, you won't get any results.
In my classes, the participants are interested in learning meditation and mindfulness and already know some of the benefits. However, most of them do not take enough time to practice or do not develop the habit of meditation in their daily lives.
Simply put, meditation is a training of the mind. Like any physical exercise, it will not bring results if it is not practiced.
Some participants in my courses have already practiced several techniques. However, I often find that many participants do not have sufficient knowledge of the basic theory. The lack of knowledge of the theory can lead to the context of the techniques not being understood. This can lead to techniques being practiced that are not tailored to the specific needs of the individual. As a result, the practice does not lead to the desired results.
Thus, both lack of practice and knowledge of theory can lead to skepticism about the effectiveness of meditation and mindfulness exercises.
Just as there are right and wrong ways to do sport, meditation and mindfulness require certain techniques to be followed. These techniques unfold certain experiences and practice phases. Our state of being changes over the course of our lives. Finding the most appropriate technique for the individual in their situation requires understanding the different techniques and experimenting with them. Without proper guidance and understanding, one may experience some relaxation through meditation, but otherwise no progress will be made.
I wish everyone to fully realize the benefits of meditation and mindfulness through proper understanding of the theory and regular practice.