Mindfulness Meditation and EMDR

There are two recognized types of meditation - mindfulness meditation and concentration meditation. The one I want to discuss is mindfulness meditation. In this form of meditation, a person becomes intentionally aware of their thoughts and actions in the present moment and does so without judgement. This includes considering the past, contemplating it and then releasing the thought. There is obviously more here, but I want to cut to the chase. Let’s look at a parallel discipline.

EMDR

There is a form of psychotherapy called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), where the patient sits with a therapist and is told to relive the past - to think about past experiences that may have been painful. The patient uses mindfulness meditation in a direct controlled way without talking.

However, there is one major difference. Bilateral stimulation is being applied during the therapy. Either lights flash back and forth or vibrations are applied in the patients hands. EMDR therapy is proven and it works.

Some of you may argue that the brain wave states between EMDR and mindfulness mediation are different. You would actually be correct. When experienced meditators are monitored, there is a very strong alpha brave state. In EMDR, the brain wave state is no different than everyday brain wave states.

What people fail to realize is that the alpha brain wave state is the result of thinking of no mental images. In the case of EMDR, the images are painful and plentiful. The goal is to work on an issue. Many experienced meditators have worked through their issues and are really monitoring their feelings.

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