Why do so many meditators want to silence this Neuroscientist?

About this video

• Video Title: Why do so many meditators want to silence this Neuroscientist?
• Channel: Scott Carney
• Speakers: Scott Carney, Willoughby Britton
• Duration: 1:24:42

Overview

This video features a conversation between Scott Carney and neuroscientist Willoughby Britton, who discusses the lesser-known negative side effects of meditation. Britton explains her research into these "varieties of contemplative experiences," highlighting how a focus on the benefits often overshadows the potential harms. They explore the reasons behind the resistance to discussing these downsides, the specific symptoms observed, and the implications for both meditation and psychedelic practices.

Key takeaways

• The "Dark Side" of Meditation is Underexplored: While meditation is widely promoted for its benefits, there's a significant lack of scientific and clinical discussion about its potential negative side effects, creating a taboo around the topic.
• Personal Research Led to the Topic: Britton's own research, initially intended to prove the benefits of meditation on sleep, unexpectedly revealed that it could cause cortical arousal and insomnia, leading her to investigate further.
• "Varieties of Contemplative Experience" Study: This extensive study documented 59 categories of meditation-related challenges across seven domains, including cognitive, perceptual, emotional, somatic, motivational, and changes in the sense of self.
• Subjectivity of Experiences: Many experiences, even those considered "spiritual" or "mystical" (like ego dissolution), can be either profoundly positive or deeply distressing depending on the individual and context, leading to the concept of "potentially challenging experiences."
• Financial and Psychological Resistance: Resistance to discussing meditation's downsides stems from financial conflicts of interest within the booming meditation industry and the psychological difficulty of accepting that a deeply relied-upon practice might have negative aspects.
• Comparison with Psychedelics: Similar patterns of overemphasis on benefits and downplaying of risks are observed in the burgeoning psychedelic research and industry, with both fields facing challenges in acknowledging and addressing potential harms.
• Cheetah House as a Resource: Britton founded Cheetah House to provide support and resources for individuals experiencing negative effects from meditation, offering consultations, support groups, and educational resources.
• Prevalence of Negative Effects: An epidemiological study indicated that 49% of US adults have tried meditation, and half of those (or one in four US adults) have experienced at least one meditation-related adverse effect. Notably, one in ten people who have tried meditation experienced an effect associated with impairment in functioning.