Willoughby Britton - When Meditation Causes Harm

Willoughby Britton - When Meditation Causes Harm

Author: Mind & Life Institute October 22, 2021 Duration: 1:19:46
In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical psychologist and meditation researcher, Willoughby Britton. Willoughby is a pioneer in contemplative research and one of the only people dedicated to understanding the possible negative outcomes from meditation (so called meditation-related adverse experiences). This conversation covers many topics, including: how she came to study the negative side of meditation; support and resources for those struggling with meditation-related difficulties (Cheetah House); scientific research on meditation-related adverse experiences; changes in perception and anxiety that can happen with meditation; how the same experience can be positive or negative depending on context; how the causes of adverse effects may be the same as for the benefits; the science of measuring harms in meditation research; what we know (and don't know) about these effects—who's at risk, how frequent they are, and how they show up for people; whether or not these difficulties are "part of the path" of transformation; grounding care in compassion; and aligning practices with the outcomes you want. Full resources and show notes

At the heart of Mind & Life is a simple, profound question: what is a mind, really? This isn't just a philosophical puzzle but a practical exploration of the mental habits that define our days. The conversations hosted by the Mind & Life Institute gently dismantle the walls between disciplines, weaving together insights from neuroscience and psychology with the lived wisdom of contemplative traditions. You’ll hear dialogues that feel less like interviews and more like shared discoveries, where a philosopher and a meditation teacher might find common ground on how attention works, or where a scientist discusses the social impact of compassion training. Each episode is an invitation to look inward with curiosity, examining how practices like meditation aren't about escape but about engaging with our inner world more skillfully. This podcast operates from the conviction that understanding our own minds is foundational to addressing broader cultural and societal challenges. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the mechanics of their own thoughts and emotions and sought a deeper, evidence-informed conversation about transformation. Tune in for a thoughtful blend of rigorous inquiry and personal relevance, where ancient questions meet modern investigation.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 94

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