The Dark Side of Mindfulness pt. 2: Meditation, Ego & The Self

What happens when meditation goes wrong—and what might be missing from the modern, secular approach to mindfulness?In Part 2 of our discussion on The Dark Side of Mindfulness, we dig deeper into the research on meditation and mindfulness, exploring both their potential benefits and their psychological risks. From the importance of using the right medicine at the right dose and at the right time to the possibility that intensive meditation can destabilize a person's sense of self, we examine why these practices deserve a more nuanced understanding.We explore the role of a healthy ego structure in navigating the barrage of influences from modern society, the risks of pursuing meditation without adequate psychological integration, and the deeper question of what it means to search for your core self.We also examine the limitations of secular mindfulness. What happens when meditation is stripped of the broader philosophical, ethical, and spiritual frameworks in which it developed? Can a practice designed to cultivate awareness become another tool for self-optimization while leaving deeper questions of identity and meaning unanswered?In this conversation, we explore:- The research on mindfulness: What do meditation studies actually tell us about its benefits, limitations, and potential adverse effects?- Meditation as medicine: Why the right practice, at the right dose, at the right time, matters.- The healthy ego: Why a stable psychological foundation may be essential for navigating modern society and its competing influences.- Meditation and personality: Whether intensive meditation can contribute to psychological destabilization or personality changes in vulnerable individuals.- The search for your core self: What are we really looking for when we turn inward?- The limits of secular mindfulness: What might be lost when meditation is separated from its traditional philosophical, ethical, and spiritual context?Building on our previous conversation about the work of psychologist and meditation researcher Dr. Willoughby Britton and The Atlantic's examination of meditation's darker side, we continue to question the assumptions surrounding mindfulness culture.Rather than dismissing meditation or accepting its promises uncritically, we ask a more fundamental question: How do we engage with meditation in a way that supports genuine psychological development rather than undermining it?This is a conversation about the complexity of the human mind, the importance of discernment, and the difference between becoming more mindful and becoming more whole.

What is mindfulness actually? In this episode we explore The Atlantic's reporting on the darker side of meditation and the work of psychologist and researcher Dr Willoughby Britton. We discuss Her research on some of the pitfalls of a meditation practice and some of where the Articles framing may fall short. From there we look at the rise of corporate mindfulness as a movement and the idea of using meditation as a salve for unhealthy workplace cultures. We also examine the Idea around the book, 10% happier, and whether mindfulness and self optimization can sometimes distract from the deeper work of developing a strong sense of self and psychological core. Ultimately, this conversation is about meditation, not simply a Wellness tool but a powerful practice that deserves a more nuanced understanding. Topics: Mindfulness, meditation, Willoughby Britton, the Atlantic, meditation research, adverse meditation experiences, corporate mindfulness, 10% happier, psychological development, sense of self, contemplative practice.

What happens when Carl Jung's Philosophy and Psychology meets Buddhist empowerment? In this episode we explore the fascinating relationship between Jungian archetypes and Buddhist iconography, examining how symbolic images become living forces within spiritual practice rather than mere religious art. We discuss how empowerment transforms practice from something external into something deeply personal, allowing practitioners to cultivate an inner world capable of reshaping their experience of reality. Along the way we unpack the role of imagination in both psychology and Buddhism, asking whether the world's we create internally can genuinely influence the world we inhabit. Using examples from Lord of the Rings, we explore how mythology, story and archetypal journeys illuminate the path of spiritual transformation and why these narratives continue to resonate across cultures today. We also introduce the traditional stages of Buddhist empowerment, explaining their purpose, symbolism and how they serve as gateways into a deeper contemplative practice.

What do Carl Young's concept of the Daimon And the Buddhist Yidam have in common? In this episode we explore the fascinating overlap between Jungian psychology and Tibetan Buddhist practice period two traditions that recognize the power of connecting with a guiding spiritual presence in your life. We discuss what is a Yiddam And meditational deities in Tibetan Buddhism. Also, we Discuss the inner guiding force that calls us toward our destiny. We also begin our dissection of a Tibetan Buddhist empowerment and what it means to receive and embody a spiritual practice from a living teacher. We discuss inviting in the archetypes and enlightening energies into your life as well as seeing Tantra as a path for transformation not escape. Whether you drawn to depth psychology, Buddhism or the places where they meet, this is a conversation where a doorway into working with the sacred figures that shape us are possible.

Why do we distract ourselves? Why does anxiety feel disconnected from logic? And can the body express memories the mind has buried? In this episode, we impact Carl Jung's ideas on metaphysics, the unconscious, and the hidden relationship between the body, mind and spirit. From 7 sermons to the dead to the process of becoming conscious of what drives us, we explore how symptoms, addiction, emotional flatness and creativity may all point towards something deeper... This is a conversation about inner life and what happens when we stop avoiding it.

This is the second part of our conversation with Professor Robert Thurman and we get into a lot!  We start out by highlighting how it can be easy to feel overmatched by life and the oft difficulties in finding happiness, Einstein's spooky action at a distance, the human potential and the challenge of conquering oneself, rebelling against your surroundings and challenging conventional education.  We examine secularism and make the point that one cannot see what is dark... nor what is transparent.  We are very grateful to have Professor Thurman on again with us, enjoy the episode.We are re-uploading a couple episodes with a good friend of ours who has recently passed, Robert Thurman. Thank you for all of the lessons friend.

In this episode of Gin and Tantra we discuss Professor Thurman's New Book, Wisdom is Bliss and a link can be found in the description of this video if you are interested in it.   We do a sort of verbal Rorschach  with Professor Thurman and get his thoughts on a wide variety of topics in the book and so much more including...the importance of education and the suffering of change, experiencing all gain and NO pain, having fun on the spiritual path, happiness pushing people away from positions of power, the orgasmic potency and some plans for West Virginia.We are lovingly re-uploading a couple episodes with one of our favorite people, Robert Thurman. Honoring his life and his teachings. May your journey be fruitful friend. https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Bliss-Friendly-Facts-Change/dp/1401943438

What if the forces shaping your life are more than unconscious physiological processes? In this episode we continue our exploration of Carl Jung's model of the psyche, examining the mysterious concept of the Daimon. Which can be described as a guiding, intelligent force that appears throughout mythology, religion, and depth psychology. We discuss whether these experiences are merely symbolic expressions of the unconscious or evidence of something genuinely transcendent operating within human life. Together we explore the relationship between the conscious and unconscious mind, individuation, Destiny, synchronicity, spiritual encounters, and the possibility that the psyche is connected realities beyond the personal self. Topics include Carl Jung, the daimon, Archetypes, individuation, synchronicity, consciousness, spirituality, metaphysics, depth psychology, And the intersection of psychology and transcendence. All mixed in with a little Buddhist twist.

In this episode we do a deep exploration of Carl Jung's understanding of the psyche, consciousness and the unconscious mind. We examine Bernardo Kastrup's metaphysical perspective, the fragmentation of the self, and how chronic stress patterns affect both the body and the mind including the role of dysfunctional breathing and nervous system regulation. A conversation at the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and human healing.

In this episode, we continue our discussion on religious trauma and the psychological forces that keep people attached to harmful belief systems. We explore belonging, indoctrination, perfectionism, hyper vigilance, emotional suppression, internal fragmentation, and the struggle to develop an authentic moral compass outside rigid doctrine. We also discuss identity, fear, circumcision as male genital mutilation and how trauma becomes internalized within both individuals and communities. We are happy to once again have on Dr. Bahareh Sahebi to discuss this and her own personal experiences growing up in Iran, you can ding more of her work on Instagram @ dr._.bahar and on substack @ drsahebi .