#705: Dr. Willoughby Britton — The Hidden Risks of Meditation, Overlaps with Psychedelic Risks, Harm Reduction Strategies, How to Choose a Retreat, Near-Death Experiences, and More

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Nov 22, 2023

Dr. Willoughby Britton, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at Brown University, discusses the often-overlooked risks of meditation. She emphasizes the need for understanding individual experiences and historical context in meditation practices. The conversation highlights potential adverse effects and the importance of harm reduction strategies. Britton also shares insights on navigating meditation retreats safely and encourages open dialogue about the complexities of both meditation and near-death experiences, all while advocating for mindful engagement with these practices.

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ANECDOTE

Meditation for Coping

Willoughby Britton's interest in meditation stemmed from a personal crisis after a friend's suicide.
Jack Kornfield's book, A Path With Heart, became her guide for coping with the emotional turmoil.

INSIGHT

Meditation and Arousal

Dr. Britton's research unexpectedly revealed meditation increased cortical arousal, potentially causing insomnia.
This contradicted the common belief that meditation promotes relaxation and better sleep.

ANECDOTE

Challenging Assumptions

A meditation teacher told Dr. Britton that experienced meditators often sleep less, challenging her assumptions.
Two yogis experiencing psychosis after retreats further highlighted potential adverse effects.

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Sapiens

A Brief History of Humankind

Yuval Noah Harari

This book surveys the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the 21st century, focusing on Homo sapiens. It divides human history into four major parts: the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the Unification of Humankind, and the Scientific Revolution. Harari argues that Homo sapiens dominate the world due to their unique ability to cooperate in large numbers through beliefs in imagined realities such as gods, nations, money, and human rights. The book also examines the impact of human activities on the global ecosystem and speculates on the future of humanity, including the potential for genetic engineering and non-organic life.

The Prophet

Kahlil Gibran

Written by Kahlil Gibran, 'The Prophet' is a book of prose poetry that explores themes such as love, marriage, children, giving, eating and drinking, work, joy and sorrow, and more. The story follows the prophet Almustafa, who, before departing from the city of Orphalese, shares his wisdom with the people on a range of subjects. The book emphasizes the importance of freedom, self-knowledge, and the interconnectedness of all life. It has been widely acclaimed for its profound insights and has been translated into over 100 languages, making it one of the most translated books in history.

A Path With Heart

A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life

Jack Kornfield

This book is a definitive guide to the practice of traditional mindfulness in America, particularly within the context of American Buddhism. It covers a wide range of topics including the fundamentals of spiritual practice, the stages of insight, dealing with personal issues such as abuse and self-loathing, and the role of psychotherapy in spiritual growth. Kornfield uses personal stories, practical techniques, and guided meditations to help readers navigate the complexities of spiritual life and achieve inner peace, wholeness, and understanding. The book is designed to be a universal guide for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and live an authentic life[2][3][5].

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Willoughby Britton, PhD is a clinical psychologist, an associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University Medical School, and the director of Brown’s Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory.

Her clinical neuroscience research investigates the effects of contemplative practices (meditation) on the brain and body in the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, and other conditions. She is especially interested in which practices are best- or worst-suited for which types of people or conditions and why. She is probably best known for her research on adverse effects—why they happen and how to mitigate them.

Dr. Britton is the founder of Cheetah House, a nonprofit organization that provides evidence-based information and support for meditators in distress as well as meditation safety trainings to providers and organizations.

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[05:55] Where did Willoughby’s interest in meditation begin?

[09:47] Discovering a link between meditation and insomnia.

[11:51] Challenging assumptions about meditation as a purely beneficent practice.

[13:29] Awakening is not a metaphor.

[17:40] Can mindfulness be too much of a good thing?

[19:46] My personal experience with meditation defying positive expectations.

[28:04] Undesirable consequences of meditation are more common than you probably think.

[30:03] What makes some people more vulnerable to the potential dangers of meditation than others?

[45:53] Altered states as a deviation from baseline.

[46:38] The impact of diet on meditation.

[48:21] The neuroscience behind psychedelics and meditation.

[52:53] The dangers of combining psychedelics and meditation.

[54:36] Choosing and vetting the ideal meditation retreat.

[59:39] When being a high achiever is a risk factor.

[1:04:21] Does Willoughby currently practice any forms of meditation?

[1:07:04] When meditation compromises cognition.

[1:10:45] Duration of symptoms and duration of impairment.

[1:11:41] Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD).

[1:12:50] Differences between meditation-related and psychedelic-related adverse events.

[1:15:31] The origin of Cheetah House.

[1:17:52] Ideological power and scaffolding.

[1:25:54] Willoughby’s self-care.

[1:29:47] Resources for people seeking relief from meditation-related adverse effects.

[1:34:43] Institutional betrayal and the empathy that comes from being humbled.

[1:37:12] Advice for aspiring psychedelic healers.

[1:39:33] Near-death experiences (NDEs).

[1:50:18] Parting thoughts, and the Dalai Lama’s response to Willoughby’s meditation research.

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