How Is Meditating Different from Dissociation? Shocking Truth!
Have you ever closed your eyes while meditating and drifted into a hazy, empty world? Did you feel like, “Am I meditating, or am I disconnecting from everything?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this busy world, where everyone advises ‘keeping your mind quiet,’ it’s very common to confuse meditation and dissociation (or detachment). The overlap between dissociation and meditation can be especially confusing when your mind feels both still and far away.
In today’s article, we’ll find out—how is meditating different from dissociation, especially when you’re new to meditation or recovering from past emotional trauma.
An External Clothing Brand—where fashion meets mindfulness—can be your companion on that journey. Our ‘Meditating Alien’ hoodie is not just a style; it’s a mindfulness reminder.
Meditation vs. Disassociation: What’s Going On in Your Brain?
Meditation is about being aware of your breathing, feelings, and surroundings. Its main purpose is to be ‘here and now,’ to connect with yourself. Meditation is not a way to escape reality but rather a way to embrace it.
On the other hand, dissociation is a mental state where you become detached from your body or reality. This is usually caused by stress or trauma. This confusion often occurs during meditation, which is why it is important to understand how is meditating different from dissociation—especially when exploring meditation for dissociation or experiencing meditation dissociation.
The difference is that meditation brings you back to reality, while dissociation takes you away from reality.
External Clothing Brand’s tan hoodie features a meditating alien image, which reminds you that ‘I am here now.’ It is not only comfortable but also a symbol of being aware.
Common Mistakes and Challenges
It’s very common for beginners to confuse meditation with disassociation. Many often wonder how is meditating different from dissociation, especially when they experience unfamiliar sensations during practice.
Mistake 1: “If I feel empty or empty when I meditate, then I know I’m on the right track.”
The truth is: If you lose yourself or disconnect from your body during meditation, it may be disassociation.
Mistake 2: “Silence means dullness.”
Reality: In proper meditation, you will be able to feel your breath, heartbeat, and even the touch of your clothes even when you are silent. This is the silence of living feelings.
Mistake 3: “I am trying to recover from trauma, so I will benefit from meditating.”
Warning: Meditating without the right guidance while still traumatized can increase disassociation.
Another big misconception is:
“Hoodies are just about comfort.”
No, External Clothing Brand hoodies are about awareness. Designs like the Alien Hoodie remind us—remember, you are here now.
5 easy ways to recognize the difference and keep your mind still
- Examine your purpose. Are you meditating to be present or to escape reality?
- Body scan: In meditation, you feel the touch of your body. In disassociation, you feel almost nothing.
- Use grounding techniques like deep breathing, holding something tangible, or wearing a weighted hoodie like the External Clothing Brand that helps you feel the presence of your body.
- After meditation, ask yourself, “Do I feel more connected or empty?” Write it down—it helps a lot.
- Seek help from a guided meditation or therapist if necessary. Don’t feel pressured to do it all on your own.
What do the experts say?
“Meditation brings you back to your body. Dissociation takes you out of your body. The difference is presence.”
Understanding how is meditating different from dissociation is essential for anyone exploring mindfulness or healing from trauma.
Neuroscience also says that meditation increases neuroplasticity in our brains—increasing attention and mental state. In contrast, disassociation reduces brain function and can negatively impact mental health.
So the next time you sit in meditation and wonder, “Am I here?”—then think, “Have I lost myself?” Recognizing how is meditating different from dissociation can help you stay grounded and aware of your true mental state.
What to wear for mindfulness? The body also needs awareness!
You can use a guided meditation app, which will help you understand the difference between how is meditating different from dissociation and make your practice more focused.
Carry a rosary, stone, or something that calms your mind when touched—it will help you stay awake and help you know when you’re meditating and when you’re dissociating.
Wear a tan hoodie from External Clothing Brand—made from bio-cotton and with an alien design, it will support your meditation practice and remind you of the difference between meditation and dissociation.
Our hoodie is more than just fashion—it’s a mindfulness companion, helping you stay present and preventing you from getting lost in the unconscious, like meditation dissociation or depersonalization and meditation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How are meditation and disassociation different?
A: Meditation is the practice of consciously being in the present. Disassociation is a mental disconnection—it’s an unconscious response.
Q: Can disassociation occur during meditation?
A: Yes, especially if you’re recovering from trauma. Use grounding tools like a hoodie or a touch of a stone.
Q: How do I know if I’m meditating or dissociating?
A: If it feels empty or disembodied, that’s disassociation. Meditation is peaceful, not empty.
Q: Can hoodies help with mindfulness?
A: Absolutely. External Clothing Brand’s hoodies are weighted, comfortable, and designed with mindfulness in mind—so you can stay grounded.
Bottom line: Are you here? Or are you lost?
Meditation is about feeling your presence. Dissociation is about disconnecting from reality. Understanding how is meditating different from dissociation is an important step toward your mental health, self-improvement, and peace.
External Clothing Brand believes that mindfulness is not forced; it comes through feeling. Our hoodies don’t just keep you warm—they remind you,
“You are here. You are safe. You are aware,” helping you stay grounded and avoid isolation caused by dissociation.
Check out our collection of meditation- and mindfulness-based hoodies—pick up a hoodie for your next meditation session and take a step forward on your inner journey.
