McMindfulness, Money, and Meaning: Critiques of Today's Mindfulness Movement

We explore a nuanced look at mindfulness: its benefits, the ethics behind how it is taught, and the critiques around commercialization and depoliticisation. William Edelglass helps us test the line between personal practice and social change with clear questions, research, and examples.

• Angela Davis’s question about mindfulness and injustice • critiques of commodification and the mindfulness industrial complex • instrumental use versus ethically grounded practice • popularity of apps, corporate programs, and military adoption • research on well-being, emotion regulation, and limits • risks of individualising distress without systemic change • reconnecting practice to Buddhist ethics and social responsibility • trauma-informed design, consent, and community support • practical ways to teach with integrity and context • invitation to share perspectives and join deeper study

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About the Podcast Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: • Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings • Conversations with respected teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers • Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers • Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change Rather than chasing peak experiences or spiritual bypassing, this podcast emphasizes embodied practice, ethical teaching, and mindfulness that meets people where they are—messy, human, and alive. If you’re interested in: • Mindfulness meditation for everyday life • Trauma-sensitive and co...