Collection of Jhourneys

David Treleaven: Meditation Safety and Jhanas for Working with Emotional Difficulty

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Aug 8, 2024
David Treleaven, author of 'Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness,' dives deep into the crucial relationship between trauma and meditation. He shares insights on the transformative potential of integrating trauma-informed practices within meditation retreats. The discussion includes the significance of jhanas for emotional processing and the 'window of tolerance' concept, which helps manage emotional responses. David emphasizes designing safe retreat environments while balancing deep meditation with trauma awareness, fostering emotional resilience.
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ANECDOTE

Therapist Turned Practice Around

  • David Treleaven describes getting worse after intensive retreats and seeking trauma therapy.
  • A therapist had him focus first on what was working, which expanded his capacity to face difficulty.
INSIGHT

Practice Needs A Sweet Spot

  • Practice is inherently risky because it explores deep parts of mind and psyche.
  • The goal is to find a personalized sweet spot that amplifies benefit while keeping people as safe as possible.
ADVICE

Run Small Experiments Regularly

  • Run small experiments in practice and follow gradients of curiosity, enjoyment, and relaxation.
  • If you notice clear tension, probe and try surrender or opening; if not, zoom out to find what you missed.
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