Yes! And no…
Over the past year, I’ve seen more and more articles and social media posts claiming that meditation can be harmful—even dangerous! Since I use guided meditations almost daily and they help me live a more conscious and centered life, I feel the need to share my thoughts on this topic with you.
First, for those who have only heard the word “meditation” but don’t really know what it means, here’s a brief explanation:
What is Meditation?
Meditation is an inward-focused practice in which attention is consciously shifted from the external world to inner processes. It doesn’t follow a rigid goal but instead creates space for inner growth and development.
The aim is to fully focus on the present moment and observe the continuous stream of thoughts—without judging them. Those who learn to simply notice their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without immediately labeling or trying to change them often experience a deep sense of inner calm. Some people even report letting go of old patterns, pain, or burdensome thoughts.
Meditation can lead to “experiencing increasingly subtle levels of consciousness and ultimately even transcending the subtlest level of thought to reach a state in which all thoughts come to rest.”
There are many different forms and traditions of meditation—from silent sitting practices to guided journeys and even movement-based forms like walking meditation or yoga. Everyone has to find out for themselves which practice best suits their personality and life circumstances.
Meditation also has physical effects: Deep breathing and a lowered heart rate calm the nervous system. The release of stress hormones like cortisol is reduced—which, in the long run, can even lower the risk of stress-related conditions like high blood pressure or organ damage.
What’s important to know: Meditation takes time. Even five to ten minutes a day can make a noticeable difference. Those who stick with it and integrate the practice into their daily routine will gradually discover deeper levels of awareness and inner peace.
Meditation Has Side Effects – Like Any Effective Remedy
As soothing and healing as meditation can be, it’s not a cure-all. And just like with medication, where there is an effect, there can also be side effects.
After your first physical therapy session, your pain might actually worsen because your body is processing released tension or tissue. The same can happen during meditation in the form of a so-called initial aggravation.
Many people stop meditating when things get challenging or uncomfortable – when thoughts like “I’m not even living the life I want” or “This person is actually not good for me” begin to surface.
The crucial question is:
Do you stop at that point –
or do you go through the process in order to truly heal?
In our society, we’re used to medications being regulated. Take ibuprofen, for example: It’s available over the counter in any pharmacy, even though improper or frequent use can lead to serious side effects – ranging from nausea and stomach pain to increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Still, there’s no real control over how much someone buys or takes.
Meditation is just as freely accessible. The criticism being raised is: meditation should be better regulated and monitored.
What kind of „side effects“ can occur with meditation?
For individuals dealing with depression, anxiety disorders, or past trauma, practicing meditation without guidance can lead to acute worsening of symptoms. Long-suppressed issues can suddenly come to the surface. While this can be a step toward healing, it can also trigger overwhelm.
Package inserts typically say: “Consult your doctor before use if you…” – and maybe that’s something we should apply to meditation too.
A meditation app, for example, might include a notice like:
“Consult a mental health professional before use
if you have a history of psychological vulnerability or trauma.”
Now let’s take a closer look at how meditation can potentially be “dangerous” for you and others:
Meditation can be “dangerous” for you because:
- Your awareness of your own needs and desires increases.
- Your awareness of what’s happening around you grows – Weltschmerz/existential grief is one example.
- Your sensitivity to external stimuli can heighten. This sensory overload (hypersensitivity) might mean you hear sounds more intensely or pick up on other people’s emotions more strongly (like “feeling the mood in the room”).
- Your ego gets quieter and no longer controls your life path. You become aware of behavioral and thought patterns. Suddenly, you start reflecting on your belief systems and conditioning. This can trigger an identity crisis and a deep desire to let go of old habits and grow.
But the truly critical point is this:
- Suppressed emotions and unresolved experiences (trauma) may rise to the surface. This can be very difficult to endure and may lead to anxiety or heightened stress.
- It is absolutely essential that these issues are addressed in a therapeutic setting.
But Most of All, Meditation Is Dangerous to Systems and Industries
- You’ll begin to question systems and industries.
- You’ll start to notice that something in the outside world doesn’t feel right. You might have the thought: “Things can’t go on like this.” Your awareness sharpens, and that leads to saying NO. STOP. And let’s be honest—what politician wants that?
- You’ll experience more self-acceptance and self-worth. That also leads to NO. STOP. Saying things like “I’m worth more to myself, and I’m good just the way I am” is a dangerous mindset—for industries like pharmaceuticals, beauty, fitness, and social media, which profit from your self-doubt. Think about that for a second.
- Meditation is essentially free of costs. No one can make money off of you. Not great for the economy.
- Your materialistic thinking begins to fade over time. Very bad for consumer culture. Very good for the environment.
- Your competitiveness and obsession with performance decrease. You’ll begin to find deeper meaning in everyday life and seek a more balanced work-life balance. Consider all the articles that frame this as lazy or unambitious. Why? You work less… bad for the economy?
In most cases, however, you’ll work less but with more focus and productivity. - You’ll stop identifying with your job. You’re no longer your job. Your ego doesn’t need status symbols anymore. The result?
Less external manipulation, less fear and stress, less consumerism…
Not exactly good news for the economy—or for anyone who thrives on having power over you.
Conclusion
So, is meditation dangerous?
Yes.
But not in the sense that it will necessarily harm you. Most of the reasons it’s considered “dangerous” don’t actually apply to you – they apply to the systems that depend on your continued functioning, your silence, your consumption, and your conformity.
If you want to just keep operating on autopilot and “getting by,” then honestly, stay away from meditation 😉. Because it won’t take long before it starts revealing where you’re living against yourself.
But if you’re ready to face yourself—and the bigger picture—then meditation is a powerful tool for you.
And at the same time: No, meditation isn’t dangerous.
Meditation can help you heal—by allowing you to fully feel, see, and release what needs to be let go. Most importantly, it offers the chance to break free from toxic thought and behavior patterns. It sharpens your awareness of what truly nourishes you—and what doesn’t.
We live in a society where emotions, stress, and trauma are often suppressed and simply “worked through.” For many people, self-reflection isn’t even considered an option. But that’s exactly what meditation invites:
Meditation offers a different way of living and being – more conscious, more authentic, more healing –
and yes, sometimes also more challenging.