Meditation and Mental Health

This panel discussion of all the speakers was chaired by Prof Peter Gilbert.

This Video is FREE!

Rasjid Skinner, Consultant Clinical Psychologist in Bradford and Visiting Chair of Clinical Psychology at Karachi University.

Meditation, and its derivative, Mindfulness are problematic concepts for those who live within an Islamic tradition of spirituality. Depending on how the term is defined, meditation can be seenas a practice that may inhibit rather than open the Self to spiritual ecstasy. Rasjid presents  an Islamic view of spirituality and the Self, and examine how Meditation and Mindfulness relate to these; and whether, under other names there are types of meditation that are part of the orthodox Islamic spiritual tradition.

Don Boyle, Chair of Mental Health WCCM, UK and Social Inclusion and Employment Coordinator with Oxleas NHS Foundation

As the concept of well-being becomes a central focus of public health policy there is a real opportunity to bring the practice of mediation to a wider public. But how do we discuss the benefits of meditation in an evidence based environment without reducing it to a technique? This workshop explores the results of a recent international survey of members of WCCM about their personal experiences of meditation, mental health and wellbeing.

Fr Laurence Freeman, OSB. Director of The World Community for Christian Meditation

If meditation is to fulfil its potential in promoting mental health the full spectrum of its significance must be acknowledged. This ranges from the technical to the spiritual. An authentically secular approach does not endorse prejudice against the spiritual or indeed religious traditions but, of course, accords them no privileged position either. Laurence Freeman explores how meditation in the mental health field addresses this important cultural question of our time.

This booklet is a guide for those who are interested in the spiritual dimension of mental health, wellbeing and meditation. It provides information and encouragement for people experiencing mental and emotional distress as well as for those who have the opportunity to offer friendship and support.