I am sharing this article, written by ChatGPT, to emphasize the importance of proper guidance and a qualified teacher for spiritual practice. While I have been fortunate not to encounter any such negative effects from my own practice, I have observed others who experienced difficulties when practicing without proper instruction (however these people are not experiencing these difficulties as a result of following anything in AtR as far as I know). However, I am not endorsing Dr. Ainslie Meares’s particular method or technique, as I am not familiar with it.

On traumas, see: Good book on healing trauma and nondual realization

Also see: Finding An Awakened Spiritual Teacher and Mentor

ChatGPT:

### Meditation, Mental Health, and the Legacy of Dr. Ainslie Meares

Dr. Ainslie Meares, an Australian psychiatrist who made profound contributions to meditation as a therapeutic tool, was ahead of his time in recognizing both the immense potential and the risks of meditation. Active from the 1960s until his death in 1986, Meares developed a unique form of meditation called *Stillness Meditation Therapy* (SMT), which aimed to promote mental relaxation and reduce anxiety. However, as the statement under discussion suggests, Meares also warned about the dangers of practicing meditation without proper training, especially for individuals with preexisting mental health vulnerabilities. This essay will explore the accuracy of these claims in the context of Meares’ teachings, his therapeutic approach, and the broader understanding of meditation’s risks and benefits.

### The Dangers of Poorly Taught Meditation

Dr. Meares believed that meditation, when misunderstood or poorly taught, could lead to significant mental and emotional challenges. This observation is reflected in contemporary discussions around meditation, where it is widely acknowledged that improper or excessive meditation can result in adverse psychological effects. Meares was concerned that individuals who were already on the verge of a mental breakdown could easily mistake escapism or fantasy for meditation. This, in turn, could lead to a distorted sense of reality, worsening their emotional or psychological condition [oai_citation:12,Dr Ainslie Meares](https://stillnessmeditation.com.au/dr-ainslie-meares/) [oai_citation:11,Ainslie Meares - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ainslie_Meares).

Meares' warnings are still relevant today. The rise of mindfulness and meditation in popular culture has made these practices more accessible, but without proper guidance, they can become superficial or even harmful. People may adopt practices they find online or in books without fully understanding the deeper psychological effects. This is especially true for those dealing with unresolved trauma, severe anxiety, or other mental health issues. When meditation is improperly practiced for long periods, or without the grounding of good instruction, individuals can become confused and emotionally destabilized, rather than achieving the calm and clarity that meditation promises.

### The Importance of Proper Instruction

Meares advocated for a structured approach to meditation, emphasizing the need for simple, clear instructions and gradual mastery of the practice. His method focused on achieving a state of profound relaxation, which he believed was the key to therapeutic benefits. This relaxation-based approach to meditation, known as *Stillness Meditation Therapy*, aimed to quiet the mind and allow the body to enter a state of healing. In this sense, Meares’ approach was more about calming the nervous system than about achieving altered states of consciousness or spiritual awakening [oai_citation:10,Ainslie Meares (March 3, 1910 — September 19, 1986), Australian psychiatrist, psychotherapist, authority on stress, scholars | 

                World Biographical Encyclopedia](https://prabook.com/web/ainslie.meares/1031338).

In this light, Meares’ advice to start with short meditation sessions until the practitioner becomes comfortable is well-grounded. Long periods of meditation, especially for those without proper experience, can be mentally overwhelming. This gradual approach helps prevent confusion or distress that can arise when one is unprepared for the deeper psychological states that meditation can induce. By learning in increments, practitioners are more likely to maintain a healthy balance between meditation and their daily lives [oai_citation:9,Biography - Ainslie Dixon Meares - Australian Dictionary of Biography](https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/meares-ainslie-dixon-14944).

### Mental Health Precautions and Supervision

Another important point raised by Meares, and reflected in modern meditation practices, is the need for individuals with mental health diagnoses to consult healthcare providers before starting meditation. Meares understood that certain psychological conditions, particularly those related to trauma, anxiety, and psychosis, could be exacerbated by meditation practices that unearth suppressed emotions or lead to heightened self-awareness. Meditation, when not properly supervised, could potentially destabilize these individuals [oai_citation:8,Dr Ainslie Meares](https://stillnessmeditation.com.au/dr-ainslie-meares/).

Meares’ call for mental health practitioners to be involved in the process reflects his broader philosophy that meditation is a powerful, but not universally safe, tool. He was one of the earliest proponents of integrating meditation with psychiatric care, a practice now more widely accepted in the fields of psychotherapy and psychiatry. Today, many mental health professionals incorporate mindfulness and meditation into treatment plans, but they do so with caution, particularly for patients with severe psychological disorders [oai_citation:7,Biography - Ainslie Dixon Meares - Australian Dictionary of Biography](https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/meares-ainslie-dixon-14944).

### Meares’ Method: Relaxation and Healing

Dr. Meares’ meditation method differed from many traditional techniques in that it focused specifically on relaxation, rather than more intensive forms of mental training. His technique was not designed to achieve enlightenment or spiritual experiences, but to promote deep mental stillness, which he believed could help alleviate stress, anxiety, and even physical conditions like cancer. His best-selling book, *Relief Without Drugs*, emphasizes the therapeutic potential of this method, describing how mental stillness can foster both psychological and physical healing [oai_citation:6,Ainslie Meares (March 3, 1910 — September 19, 1986), Australian psychiatrist, psychotherapist, authority on stress, scholars | 

                World Biographical Encyclopedia](https://prabook.com/web/ainslie.meares/1031338) [oai_citation:5,Ainslie Meares - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ainslie_Meares).

Meares coined terms like *mental ataraxis* (meaning absence of disturbance of the mind) to describe the state of deep calm he aimed to induce in his patients. His approach was grounded in the belief that the body’s natural healing mechanisms could be activated through relaxation, an idea that aligns with modern research on the mind-body connection. Meditation, when used properly, has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. Meares’ focus on relaxation rather than intense concentration or spiritual transformation made his method particularly accessible to those suffering from stress-related conditions [oai_citation:4,Ainslie Meares (March 3, 1910 — September 19, 1986), Australian psychiatrist, psychotherapist, authority on stress, scholars | 

                World Biographical Encyclopedia](https://prabook.com/web/ainslie.meares/1031338) [oai_citation:3,Biography - Ainslie Dixon Meares - Australian Dictionary of Biography](https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/meares-ainslie-dixon-14944).

### Conclusion

Dr. Ainslie Meares’ teachings on meditation offer a balanced and cautious view of its potential. He recognized that, while meditation could be deeply healing, it also carried risks when practiced without proper instruction or supervision. His advice to seek out good teachers, meditate in short intervals, and consult health professionals before starting a practice is still relevant today. By promoting a relaxation-based approach to meditation, Meares provided a safe and effective way for individuals to experience the benefits of mental stillness without the risks associated with more intense or improperly guided practices.

In an era where meditation is widely promoted, often without sufficient warnings, Meares’ insights into the potential dangers of improper meditation practices serve as a valuable reminder of the importance of proper instruction, gradual progress, and mental health supervision. His legacy continues to influence both the field of psychiatry and the broader world of meditation today [oai_citation:2,Biography - Ainslie Dixon Meares - Australian Dictionary of Biography](https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/meares-ainslie-dixon-14944) [oai_citation:1,Ainslie Meares (March 3, 1910 — September 19, 1986), Australian psychiatrist, psychotherapist, authority on stress, scholars | 

                World Biographical Encyclopedia](https://prabook.com/web/ainslie.meares/1031338).