Mindfulness: From Practice to Product - The Problem with Commercialization

Someone recently told me that the growth of mindfulness lately is like the popularity of kale…but for your brain. Haha! I love seeing meditation in the media…usually. Thanks to this explosion of interest in mindfulness and meditation, there are more resources available than ever before to help people learn and practice. From books and apps to retreats and workshops, there are countless ways for people to deepen their meditation practice and reap the benefits of mindfulness. But then…there are the downsides to the hype.

One of the biggest issues with the commercialization of meditation (and one of my biggest pet peeves) is that it can lead to a superficial understanding of the practice. When meditation is marketed as a trendy self-improvement tool or wellness fad, people can see it as a quick fix or a magic bullet. But the truth is, meditation is a practice that requires discipline, commitment, and a willingness to face discomfort and challenges.

Another problem with the commercialization of meditation is that it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and cultural appropriation. When meditation is marketed as a luxury lifestyle accessory for the wealthy or as a way to "get ahead" in business, it can reinforce the idea that mindfulness is only for privileged white people. This erases the rich history of meditation in diverse cultures around the world and perpetuates harmful power dynamics.

In addition, the market-driven approach to meditation can also limit the depth and richness of the practice. By focusing on the commercial aspects of meditation, we risk losing sight of the traditional and communal aspects that make it such a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.

So, what's the solution? Well, I think we need to stay grounded in the principles of mindfulness itself. This means cultivating awareness, compassion, and non-judgment in everything we do, including how we consume and market meditation products and services.

It also means recognizing the limitations of the market-driven approach to meditation, and working towards creating spaces and resources that make meditation accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

Let’s stay mindful and grounded in the principles of meditation itself, and work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible culture of mindfulness.

And of course, I get a good laugh at the creativity of the meditation commercials…you’ve got to hand it to the creativity of the ad departments!