Meditation and Mindfulness Can Harm You — Here Is What I Experienced
A nun once said to me,
“After you left, I thought you had too much input. It is too one-dimensional from the perspective of contemplation. The mind has to run empty,”
When I usually do some housework, I listen to Podcasts. When I am typically outside walking, I often listen to podcasts. I changed it. I recognised some fullness in the last couple of weeks. Noticing the presence was that total, some input from the podcast became too much.
One day, I went outside for a walk with my son. There was much to notice: the feet touching the ground, the sounds, the cold air on my face, emotions.
It became fewer and fewer. Then, this week, I stopped listening to Podcast altogether. But a growing unrest visited me and stayed. I don’t know why or from where exactly, but actively noticing became annoying and stressful. (I meditate daily in addition to this.)
I’ve been under the weather for the last two weeks. My mood wasn’t that good. And there were fewer and fewer (interesting) distractions from the Podcasts.
Yesterday, I had a rough day. An old illness hurt, and I granted myself some podcast time during the day.
Long story short:
I recognised that meditating and being mindful can also have some stressful impacts.
It depends on your current mental and physical situation and your state in life in general. Closing down the stimuli from the outside can have severe consequences for people.
(a) when it is too much, too fast, and too long, and
(b) when they are not ready for it (mental illnesses, trauma, too much stress…)
It became reasonable to me why the (Christian) groups I know must converse with you before attending a retreat.
What is your experience?
