The effect of the inner engineering program on interpersonal relationships: a qualitative study of emotional regulation and relational transformation.
Enas Mohamed, Arlene Katz, Nashaw Jafari, Akila Rayapuraju, Preeti Upadhyay Reed, Sepideh Hariri, Balachundhar Subramaniam
Frontiers in Psychology January 1, 2025 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1595878 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMeditation practices from the Inner Engineering program, which includes Shambhavi Mahudra Kriya (alternate nostril breathing, AUM chanting, breath awareness, and postural yoga) along with guided meditation and reflective writing, support emotional regulation, cognitive reappraisal, and positive affect. These benefits contribute to healthier interpersonal relationships by enhancing self-awareness, resilience, and empathy. The program is described as a non-religious, scalable intervention that may help manage emotional reactivity and strengthen relationships, thereby addressing relationship difficulties that are a major source of anxiety and social withdrawal.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Inner Engineering program Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya |
| Keywords | Shambhavi mahamudra kriya Emotional regulation Inner engineering meditation Relationships Transformation |
| Key finding | Meditation practices in the Inner Engineering program support emotional regulation, cognitive reappraisal, and positive affect, contributing to healthier interpersonal relationships. |
Abstract
Relationship difficulties are a major source of anxiety in contemporary society, contributing to social withdrawal, emotional reactivity, and conflict, which in turn increase isolation and distress. Meditation has emerged as a promising strategy for managing these stressors by fostering self-awareness, resilience, and empathy. This study explores the Inner Engineering (IE) program, a structured, self-paced meditation intervention developed by the Isha Foundation. The program consists of seven 90-minute modules incorporating guided meditation, reflective writing, and practices such as Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya (SMK), which integrates alternate nostril breathing, AUM chanting, breath awareness, and postural yoga. Findings suggest that meditation practices included in IE support emotional regulation, cognitive reappraisal, and the cultivation of positive affect, contributing to healthier interpersonal relationships. Theories of mindfulness and self-compassion further indicate that such structured training can enhance adaptability, self-acceptance, and interpersonal stability. The IE program highlights meditation's role as a non-religious, scalable intervention for improving well-being in the context of relational stress. By combining ancient yogic practices with modern reflective exercises, IE may provide individuals with effective tools to manage emotional reactivity, foster empathy, and strengthen relationships.