This article explores the complex and often contradictory experiences people have with meditation. While acknowledging the potential benefits, the author shares their personal harrowing experience and emphasizes the need for caution, particularly regarding intensive retreats and the lack of quality control in the field.
Richard appeared kind and friendly, but his appearance, particularly the shaved head, reminded me of other meditators I'd encountered. Initially, I felt a sense of apprehension, fearing I was about to meet an evangelist. The meal itself was pleasant, featuring sea bass with mussels and samphire, followed by a delightful Catalan creme. The highlight was a homemade pink lemonade infused with raspberry puree.
My introduction to meditation occurred during my university years when mindfulness programs were offered, leading me to participate in a retreat. This retreat, however, had a profound and negative impact on me. I experienced harrowing and highly distressing events that had lasting consequences, some of the worst imaginable in relation to meditation. My involvement with it lasted approximately four years, and it took another two years before I felt a sense of normalcy return. I believe a percentage of individuals are predisposed in a way that renders them vulnerable to adverse reactions to such practices. This raises crucial questions about safeguarding young people from potential harm.Data suggests an increased need for concern regarding mindfulness interventions, whether targeted at adults or children. While the risks are inherently greater with intensive retreats, even regular courses warrant concern. My perspective on mindfulness is that it's a fundamental life skill readily accessible to everyone through short, manageable practices. Intensive retreats, on the other hand, represent a different category entirely and should not be compared. I've always been supportive of retreats but am acutely aware of the challenges they pose. While personal struggles exist, I wouldn't attempt to downplay them. Meditation is not inherently detrimental, as studies demonstrate comparable success rates to other mental health interventions. However, a small percentage of individuals experience severe adverse effects. It wouldn't be reasonable to advocate for an outright cessation of meditation, any more than it would be rational to cease all therapies. My primary concern lies in the absence of quality control and open discussion about the potential risks. Meditation is often treated as something that cannot go wrong, leaving individuals unprotected.When subjecting individuals to prolonged periods of deep silence, a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate. While I harbor concerns, they don't align with Lizzie's viewpoint, which I perceive as bordering on the definition of a cult. There are certainly elements that resemble cult-like dynamics. Just as with any dedicated group, be it cyclists or Ironman participants, retreats themselves don't inherently pose harm. My concern stems from the overlooking of basic safeguarding practices that a teacher like myself would deem essential. Richard commenced teaching in his 30s, as I approach that milestone myself. I shared my struggles with building a career, and he reassured me that many people take time to discover their path. We found common ground in our backgrounds, both studying French and Spanish, albeit at different universities – Oxford for Lizzie, Cambridge for me.We delved into our lives, exploring the inception of meditation and its contrasting effects on us. My negative experiences have led me to question if positive experiences are even possible. Richard helped me understand how meditation had positively impacted his life. My entry into meditation coincided with having a job and a child, providing me with a sense of structure. Lizzie lacked these anchor points, leaving her more vulnerable to potentially disruptive influences. We pondered whether this difference in circumstances might account for our divergent reactions to meditation
Meditation Mindfulness Mental Health Risks Benefits Intensive Retreats Safeguarding Quality Control
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