The Pitfalls of Meditation

We've all heard about the incredible benefits of meditation, but did you know there's also some pitfalls of this practice too. You may be familiar with the terms used to describe different states of the nervous system, like, fight, flight, and freeze. During healthy nervous system function, we have the ability to move through these states, and return back to neutral. However, it's possible for us to get stuck in one or more of these places. It can feel like we've got the gas pedal and the brake on at the same time. When the nervous system is stuck in a freeze state, it can look like spacing out, isolating yourself, brain fog, disassociation, indecision, depression, and indifference. While meditation can be an amazing tool to explore consciousness, awareness, and the breath, it can also tote the goal of non-attachment. That's where we get into trouble. If the system is already in a place of shutdown, apathy, and disconnect meditation can compound those experiences. Likewise, if there is a lot of energy that wasn't expressed and needed to be, like running or fighting, then forcing the body to remain motionless may reinforce patterns of submission and helplessness. 

The body benefits by completing these cycles of emotions through movement to discharge held energy.  But it's a fine balance between deep conscious rest and mindful movement. Here at The Hub Life we love to help you cultivate your ability to listen to what you need. Our next round of RECALIBRATE starts soon! Come check it out!