A common question for those interested in meditation is whether practicing it can truly enhance health and well-being. Mindfulness instructor Steven Hickman responds to this query from both a scientific and practical angle.
Q: I’ve heard a lot that science has confirmed the benefits of mindfulness meditation. Is this entirely accurate? Does research indicate, in an objectively measurable way, that meditating will enhance your well-being?
A: Science doesn’t provide absolute answers, particularly concerning human experiences. This isn’t to undervalue science, but to highlight its constraints. Its role is primarily to foresee outcomes based on past observations. In the realm of meditation research, there’s a significant and expanding collection of studies that indicate a favorable outlook for those who meditate regularly.
However, science often deals with statistics and probabilities concerning groups, meaning that what may apply to 80% of people doesn’t guarantee that an individual will experience the same. Statistics can be deceptive. For instance, if you roll a die five times and get a 5 each time, what are the chances of rolling another 5? It remains the same as before: 1 in 6.
Aside from the lesson on statistics, we understand that life is full of uncertainties, and meditation is no exception. Nevertheless, research does suggest that certain meditation practices can have measurable, and sometimes clearly apparent, benefits on aspects such as mood, well-being, and self-compassion.
I recommend approaching this science with a healthy skepticism—explore meditation with an open, curious mind while releasing any preconceived ideas.
Returning to your question: Will meditation enhance your well-being? My suggestion is to let the science encourage a skeptical approach; this means exploring the practice with an open mind, free from prior assumptions. I often tell my students: Don’t just accept what I say. Allow your own experiences to guide you.
This article was featured in the February 2018 edition of Mindful magazine.