There is so much research and information out there about mindfulness, so today hosts Tiffany and Katja tackle this big and important topic from a different angle. In this episode, the pair takes a critical lens and unpacks the pitfalls of mindfulness research. Tiffany and Katja discuss how mindfulness is defined in the research, why self-selection of study participants may be of importance, and what the field of Contemplative Neuroscience is all about. They also touch on contraindications and adverse events of mindful meditation, as well as considerations surrounding mindfulness practices and mental health. Listen in to learn more about both the important takeaways and the challenges of recent mindfulness research. Show Notes: The background of mindfulness research [3:06] The challenge of defining mindfulness [6:26] MBSR as intervention for many research studies [13:05] Unpacking social desirability and self-selection in mindfulness research [18:42] Are we asking the right questions? Validity in mindfulness research [21:56] On Contemplative Neuroscience and fMRI [23:55] Contraindications of mindfulness practices [27:55] Adverse events of mindful meditation [33:23] Idea of capacity building & titration [37:55] Mindfulness research takeaways [42:24] Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Yin & Meditation Yoga Teacher Training Mindfulness Research Doc Connect with Katja Bartsch: Facebook | Instagram | Kalamana Yoga | YM Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at www.YogaMedicine.com/podcast-43. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at www.YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.