Meditation, is it free from side effects?
I have taken a break from my usual writing on this platform and its accompanying voice notes to focus on other work, as well as to contemplate the direction in which I want to take this project. I had started drafting an article about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness for everyone, especially those who struggle with insomnia. However, I recently went through a negative and mentally traumatic experience. This happened despite using a combination of mindful practices, prolonged practice, and even some mind-altering techniques. I am sharing this experience openly now to raise awareness and encourage open discussions about the tremendous benefits of meditation and mindfulness, and their ability to transform our lives, but also to acknowledge potential side effects and dangers within the industry and among teachers and gurus. It's crucial to learn how to reap the benefits of meditation while avoiding potential traps or pitfalls.
In my experience, most meditation teachers online don't mention the potential dangers, side effects, and trauma that could occur while practicing. And if they do, they tend to brush it off as a necessary part of the journey towards enlightenment and working through one's inner demons. However, this approach may not be suitable for those who are not mentally strong enough to handle it. As insomniacs, we are already in a weakened state due to our lack of sleep, making us susceptible to trying anything that promises to bring relief at 2:38am when we are more likely to make impulsive decisions.
When we find ourselves awake in the small hours, it is important to remember that the self-help and meditation industry is just like any other business, driven by capitalist agendas of profit. It's crucial to approach with caution before clicking the "buy" button or using behavioral economics techniques, such as freezing our payment cards, to give us time to reconsider purchases as the card thaws out. There are certainly valuable resources within this industry, but we must also be aware of those who prioritize profit over genuine help. We should enter this world with our eyes and ears open, trusting our instincts when something feels wrong or fake. Our gut reactions are often a subconscious recognition of deceptive patterns, and it's okay to step away from anything that triggers doubt. If needed, we can always revisit the material at a later time with a guard up against undue influence on our psyche.
The market is saturated with influential leaders, experts, and practitioners in the self-help and mindfulness industry. However, it is important to research the credibility and reviews of these "teachers" before taking their advice on enlightenment. By maintaining a meta-cognitive state and paying attention not only to what is said, but how it is said, we can gain insight into the person behind the teachings. While I can teach you techniques for neurolinguistic and behavioural communication analysis, you also possess a built-in system of gestalt behavioral analysis or pattern recognition. Use this skill to read the situation as a whole without dissecting individual parts, unless necessary for further validation.
I am still planning to publish the article on the benefits of meditation, but I also want to explore the darker side of the meditation industry and the message it promotes. My motivation for writing is two-fold. Firstly, I want to highlight that meditation is not always a positive experience; in fact, some people may experience negative side effects or even danger from it. Additionally, I learned firsthand that doing too much meditation can be harmful. It unlocked something within me that went beyond just facing my flaws and weaknesses. The consequences were severe and continue to affect me today. I did not gain any growth or benefits from this experience.
I am aware of the typical response from the industry, but I must confess. The blame lies with me; I pushed myself beyond my limits with hours of intense meditation, drug use, deep hypnosis, energy work, and shamanic practices. I had pushed myself to the brink and nearly didn't make it out alive.
I may have initially denied it, but upon further reflection, I have indeed learned from my mistakes. I have gained a deeper understanding of the value and fragility of the mind, and the importance of taking care of it. Despite the constant pressure from society to constantly improve and achieve more, it is crucial to resist this and prioritize our mental health and well-being above all else.
I have learned to control my old habits and only use them when necessary, instead of escaping into them as a way to avoid facing reality. I used to believe that these practices could provide me with meaning, but I have come to realize that what I was truly searching for was right in front of me all along on this planet called Earth.
I hope this post doesn't discourage you from trying meditation or hypnosis; they are both powerful techniques for calming a tired or anxious mind and addressing a wide range of issues. In my experience, working with a qualified therapist or counselor can also greatly benefit these practices. Utilizing both methods together can help you gain deeper self-awareness and effectively cope with any challenges that may arise during meditation and hypnosis sessions.
I will be sharing a video below that discusses the often-ignored side effects of meditation. It is crucial to seek out ethical guides who can assist you through the process. Otherwise, if you trust someone who lacks knowledge or only does it for personal gain or recognition, the consequences could be detrimental.
Why do so many meditators want to silence this Neuroscientist? - YouTube
Finally, if you need support and would like a place to talk to other insomniacs, please check out my insomnia chat Facebook group. At the time of writing, it has over two thousand members and growing. People post within the group or use the chats provided to share their experiences and give each other support.
You can find it here: Insomnia Chat Facebook Group