WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?
“Mindfulness” comes from the Pali word “vipassana” which means “insight” or “to see clearly.” It can be defined and named by a host of definitions and descriptive phrases. A few are provided here:
“Mindfulness” has blossomed in the West in large part due to the highly acclaimed, researched and evidence-based eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in 1979. The Program has gained an international reputation due to its significant positive outcomes. The Program, and variations of the program, practices and wisdom teachings serve the widest array of individuals and organizations. The work is well-established in various medical schools and corporations, to name a few.
The primary way it works is through the enhancement of:
- Paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment
- A relaxed, aware attention
- An experience of being right here, in this moment, without conditions.
- ‘Mind Training’ or ‘The study of the nature of mind’
- A practice that helps us with our difficulties
- The careful observation of moment to moment experience with acceptance
- Bringing the unconscious into consciousness
- The art of conscious living
- “It’s about a compassionate openness and the ability to be with oneself and one’s situation through all kinds o experiences. It’s about opening the heart and mind to the difficulties and joys of life – just as it is.” Pema Chodron
“Mindfulness” has blossomed in the West in large part due to the highly acclaimed, researched and evidence-based eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in 1979. The Program has gained an international reputation due to its significant positive outcomes. The Program, and variations of the program, practices and wisdom teachings serve the widest array of individuals and organizations. The work is well-established in various medical schools and corporations, to name a few.
The primary way it works is through the enhancement of:
- attention regulation
- body awareness
- emotion regulation
- self-perspective
- inter/intra-personal relationships.