MBSR & Yoga downsides

[JonW]

Hmm. I did read a few pieces. Thanks for the suggestion. The links between meditation and epilepsy do seem highly speculative...I'm not discounting the possibility that there is a link. I'm just a little sceptical and will remain so until I see evidence.
Best wishes,
Jon

[Ibrahim]

Hmm. I did read a few pieces. Thanks for the suggestion. The links between meditation and epilepsy do seem highly speculative...I'm not discounting the possibility that there is a link. I'm just a little sceptical and will remain so until I see evidence.
Best wishes,
Jon

Thank you sir... So would you advice me to continue meditating ? Or to put things on hold for a while ? I know you can't make this decision on my behalf, but I'm kind of lost right now to be honest... On the one hand, I heard about the amazing benefits of meditation, on the other hand there's the very little known side effects that can arise Hope you're having a great sunday !

[JonW]

Hi Ibrahim,
That's a tricky question. The thought, 'Meditation might bring negative side effects' is just a thought but it may also be the case that your body is trying to tell you something. Listen to your body. It's never wrong.
It's very difficult to generalise about any of this. We all have a unique experience of meditation.
From where I'm standing and from the little I know about your situation, it's extremely difficult to say whether meditation is the right route for you right now. It might be useful to bear in mind that mindfulness is not for everyone. At least it may not be the right point of entry for someone suffering from a particular condition. I often hear people advising others who are suffering from depression that, 'Mindfulness will sort you out.' Maybe. Maybe not. Sometimes, anti-depressants are the way forward. Sometimes talking therapy.
In some cases, where there are underlying issues, meditation can be challenging for people, especially at the start of their practice. In becoming more aware of their mental processes and bodily sensations, stuff comes up and, without proper support, it can be challenging.
I'd advise you to seek out a teacher in your local area so that your practice is fully supported. A book, even one as good as Kabat-Zinn-Zinn's, can only support you so far.
Also, talk to a GP about whether meditation is advisable in your situation. At the end of the day, it will only be his/her opinion, but at least he's a qualified professional. I'm a mindfulness teacher, not a doctor. So I can only talk from the POV of a teacher.
Do any other team/forum members have a take on this?
Cheers,
Jon

[Peter]

Great advice from Jon, here.

To answer one of your questions, Ibrahim: Aside from mindfulness, I also practice Yoga daily, and haven't noticed any negative side effects.

Peter

[Ibrahim]

Ok guys thank you very much for your answers... I'll keep you updated !

[JonW]

I often tell myself, 'Less questions, more practice.'
If an answer to a question about mindfulness doesn't come easily, then just be with the question, or let it go.
This is a very simple practice. It's experiential, not philosophical.
Nothing that a seven-year-old child couldn't easily understand about mindfulness is really worth knowing.
Cheers,
Jon

[Gareth]

Nothing that a seven-year-old child couldn't easily understand about mindfulness is really worth knowing.

I'm trying to teach my 7-yr-old right now.

[Ibrahim]

Well that is something to keep in mind

[JonW]

'I'm trying to teach my 7-yr-old right now.'

Good for you, feller. Hope it's going smoothly.