The Spooky Side of Meditation

Meditation and compassion have gained popularity in the past few decades and have been known to:

Along with the positive benefits of both meditation and compassion, there is also a dark side unknown to the majority of people. In every action of life, there is usually both a light (positive) and dark (negative) side associated with it, and meditation and compassion are no different.

Both are practices that have brought much positivity (light) into the hearts, minds, and souls of millions. However, there have also been people who have discovered the dark side of meditation and compassion, through their own lived practice and experience.

While it’s essential to focus on and emphasize the positive benefits of meditation and compassion, it would be irresponsible to neglect to view the negative consequences of these practices as well.

Here are some dark sides to compassion:

Compassion Fatigue
“Compassion fatigue is a term that describes the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of helping others — often through experiences of stress or trauma. Compassion fatigue is often mistaken for burnout, which is a cumulative sense of fatigue or dissatisfaction.”

The Person You’re Serving/Helping Doesn’t Feel Self-Compassion
Compassion for others begins with cultivating self love, self care, and self kindness unto oneself. If the person you’re serving and helping doesn’t have self compassion yet, then they have the potential to continually revolve in the same cycle of suffering, without trying to better their situation or their character.

You’re Unable to Relate To The Person You’re Helping and Serving
The essence of compassion is being able to relate to someone’s suffering, and having the ability to help them. If one is unable to relate to the other person’s own unique situation, then they may not be able to help the person in the proper way. Thus, the person compassionately taking action might not have the ability to alleviate the suffering of the other, even while genuinely trying.

Here are some dark sides to meditation:

Motivation May Decrease
Since one of the main benefits of meditation is increased peace and relaxation, it may come with side effects of detachment. Detachment is the state of being completely desireless to do or act on anything. Meditation teaches the art of detachment from material actions, so one’s own motivation may suffer temporarily.

Negative Memories & Emotions May Surface
As meditation is the gateway to altered states of mind and consciousness through brain wave frequencies, the subconscious mind is interfaced with during meditation. The subconscious mind is the storehouse of learning, memories, subtle thoughts, and subtle emotions. So during the practice of meditation, past memories and negative experiences may present themselves mentally in the form of thoughts, images, or feelings, which can arouse discomfort in someone.

Antisocial Tendencies May Develop
Meditation is the practice of turning one’s own awareness and consciousness inwards, which is the opposite of the external reality we live in. By focusing on cultivating one’s own inner awareness and consciousness, the result may be a lack of interest in familial and social relationships.

How To Balance The Dualities of Compassion & Meditation:

Balancing Compassion:

Practice Self-Care:
Combat the onset of compassion fatigue with a daily self care routine that empowers you physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Practicing self care keeps you in a state of balance, while recharging you and your ability to serve others with compassion.
99 Free Self-Care Ideas For Your Wellness Routine

Teach Self Compassion & Serve
As An Example-If someone you’re helping and serving is unable to feel self-compassion in the moment, teach them self compassion. Teaching self compassion begins by inspiring a person’s commitment to being kind to themselves. Teach someone the art of self-care and self-kindness, which will then lead to self-compassion. Teach someone how they can take care and nurture themselves, while thinking kindness, feeling kindness, and performing acts of kindness.
How to Cultivate More Self-Compassion

Relate to Areas of Life Other Than Suffering
If you’re unable to relate to the suffering of someone and their physical, mental, emotional, social, or financial situation...find other areas of common bond. By establishing a strong foundation of bond, the relationship can move forward in the spirit of compassion.

How are you both alike?
What experiences have you both been through apart from suffering?
Do you share the same opinions, interests, or hobbies?

Balancing Meditation:
Learn Coping Techniques to Manage Negativity
Prepare yourself by learning alternate healing and coping techniques to transmute negative memories and emotions.

Motivate Yourself Through Service
Practice selfless service and assume responsibilities or positions of leadership to stay motivated.

Become Social
Join a meditation group or class to be amongst like-minded people, and maintain social relationships.

THANK YOU FOR READING! ENJOY YOUR HALLOWEEN WITH MINDFULNESS AND COMPASSION?