In recent years, mindfulness has surged in popularity as a transformative wellness tool embraced by celebrities like Harry Styles, Raheem Sterling, and Oprah Winfrey. This practice, rooted in meditation and aimed at fostering a state of complete presence and awareness, has been touted for its potential to alleviate stress and manage conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, a new study has raised concerns about its potential drawbacks.
According to researchers from the University of Cambridge, mindfulness training may lead individuals to experience altered states of consciousness, some of which can be unsettling. Published in the journal Plos One, the study followed 670 participants involved in mindfulness training over the course of a year, specifically focusing on their experiences during stressful periods such as exams.
Participants were asked to reflect on their experiences using a detailed questionnaire that explored dimensions including spiritual experiences, blissful states, disembodiment, and a sense of unity with the universe. The results showed that those who underwent mindfulness training were twice as likely as those in the control group to report feelings of unity and disembodiment.
Disembodiment experiences, characterized by feelings of floating or a loss of bodily boundaries, were reported by 29% of participants who had experienced altered states of consciousness. While 47% reported blissful states and 43% reported feelings of unity, researchers highlighted that not all experiences were positive.
Dr. Julieta Galante, lead researcher from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the potential for adverse effects when teaching mindfulness. “Some of these experiences, like bliss, can be extremely pleasant. However, others, such as disembodiment or a distorted sense of self, may be perceived as unpleasant or even alarming,” she cautioned.
Galante suggested that mindfulness instructors and practitioners be prepared to discuss these experiences openly. “It’s crucial that people undertaking mindfulness are informed about the possibility of encountering these states,” she advised. “This awareness can help prevent unnecessary distress. If negative experiences arise, individuals should feel comfortable discussing them with their mindfulness instructor and, if necessary, with a healthcare professional.”
As mindfulness continues to grow into a billion-dollar industry with a substantial following worldwide, Galante’s findings underscore the importance of informed practice and open dialogue around its potential psychological effects.
While mindfulness remains a valuable tool for many seeking mental well-being, understanding and mitigating its potential downsides is vital for ensuring its safe and effective use in therapeutic and everyday settings alike.
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