Is mindfulness making us ill?

[leosmith]

I just read this article; it's probably the only negative thing I've read about mindfulness. Any comments?
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyl ... ing-us-ill

[Matt Y]

That kind of article seems deliberately provocative, slightly insincere and willfully misrepresentative to me. The type of reactions the author claims to have had are not uncommon; but not problematic. Any decent teacher would be able to work with such experiences in a way that mitigates any so-called negative reactions.

[Gareth]

That people are getting paid to write disparaging articles, suggests to me that mindfulness is starting to gain some traction. Let's hope so.

[leosmith]

I'm with you guys. Actually, the fact that there isn't more negative stuff written about it surprises me a little. Even the most popular stuff gets quite a bit of flack these days. I guess it's pretty hard to build a reasonable case against.

[JonW]

The Guardian, a pretty shitty newspaper these days, often writes knocking copy on mindfulness. A good source of comedy. As Matt points out, 'Any decent teacher would be able to work with such experiences in a way that mitigates any so-called negative reactions.'
JW

[monkey]

There is a fair bit of negative stuff about it in the mainstream papers and has been for a few years. But, as you say, that's usual for anything that's gaining in popularity.

I don't really have a problem with this article. I read it as saying that if you have an underlying mental health condition then meditation may not be for you - which seems accurate in the same way that you'd have to consider anything in the light of that condition. I have a friend with a mental health condition who practices some aspects of mindfulness but finds that sitting practice is my appropriate for her. And that if it's promoted as 'relaxation', taught by poorly qualified teachers and forced on people then people are going to have some bad experiences. That seems obvious.

All these articles start with the author saying 'I once went to a meditation session and I didn't entirely like it and then I never went back because I hadn't entirely liked it.' Well duh. It's not a quick fix, one session thing. The anxiety that she describes seems pretty common, I've had that myself and have posted on here several towns about my difficulties with the practice. But without mentioning it to the teacher or trying to explore what's happening you're not going to get past it. But it's a problem with how it's presented, as 'relaxation', rather than an exploration of the workings of your mind. Admittedly that doesn't sound so catchy!

[Peter]

My feeling is that this article is greatly exaggerating things. However, I think it is a good thing that people realize that the tool 'mindfulness' isn't inherently a good thing.

Mindfulness, just like all things, can have its dangers. Water for instance, is mainly a great thing, but if you drink too much of it, drink it contaminated, too pure, or mix it with some other (innocent) stuff, it can be highly dangerous. I think this is also the case with mindfulness.

In my opinion Mindfulness can be used in all sorts of ways and can have all sorts of effects, desired or not desired. Certainly, since everyone is so very different.

Peter

[JonW]

Some interesting responses here.
In my view, if mindfulness is practiced with fidelity and integrity, I can't see how it will cause harm.
Good teaching and continued support, in my view, are the keys.
Cheers,
JW

[Peter]

When we point to conditions that would mitigate problems caused by practicing mindfulness, that confirms the fact that it CAN cause problems. Which is what we all (should) agree upon, I think.

In my experience practicing mindfulness can be a problem as well as a solution. When practicing mindfulness leads to (more) problems, one should modify the practice, but to be aware of that, one needs either a good teacher, or experience. We can see here how a beginner could be at greater risk.

Peter

[JonW]

'When we point to conditions that would mitigate problems caused by practicing mindfulness, that confirms the fact that it CAN cause problems.'

Yes, I'd absolutely agree that meditation, in certain cases, can highlight problems that are already there, possibly lurking under the surface. As with anything, it's wise to proceed with caution and approach with moderation.
Cheers,
JW