Mindfulness practice involves the process of developing the skill of bringing one's attention to whatever is happening in the present moment.

7.3 Associations of mindfulness with other variables.

7.1 Effects and efficacy of mindfulness practice.

6.1.4 Acceptance and commitment therapy.

6.1.3 Mindfulness-based pain management.

6.1.2 Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

6.1.1 Mindfulness-based stress reduction.

5.6 Popularization, 'mindfulness movement'.

5.1.3.2 Samprajaña, apramāda and atappa.

5.1.3.1 Anapanasati, satipaṭṭhāna, and vipassana.

5.1.3 Contemporary Vipassana-meditation.

4.3 Cultivating self-knowledge and wisdom.

4 Models and frameworks for mindfulness practices.

3.2 Definitions arising in modern teaching of meditation.

1.3 In Buddhist context moral precepts.

1.1 Watching the breath, body-scan and other techniques.

A major UK study found that mindfulness lessons for teenagers in school was largely a waste of time.

However, critics have questioned both the commercialization and the over- marketing of mindfulness for health benefits-as well as emphasizing the need for more randomized controlled studies, for more methodological details in reported studies and for the use of larger sample-sizes. Additionally, mindfulness appears to bring about lowered activity of the default mode network of the brain, and thereby contribute towards a lowered risk of developing conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Further, research indicates that mindfulness may favourably influence the immune system as well as inflammation, which can consequently impact physical health, especially considering that inflammation has been linked to the development of several chronic health conditions. Studies indicate that mindfulness meditation, which brings about reductions in rumination, may alter these biological clinical pathways. For example, the psychological habit of repeatedly dwelling on stressful thoughts appears to intensify the physiological effects of the stressor (as a result of the continual activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis) with the potential to lead to physical health related clinical manifestations. There is also evidence that suggests engaging in mindfulness meditation may influence physical health. However, too much mindfulness can produce harmful effects, such as worsening anxiety in people with high levels of self-focus or awareness of their bodies or emotions. Further, the practice of mindfulness may be a preventive strategy to halt the development of mental-health problems. Studies also indicate that rumination and worry contribute to a variety of mental disorders, and that mindfulness-based interventions can enhance trait mindfulness and reduce both rumination and worry. The practice of mindfulness appears to provide therapeutic benefits to people with psychiatric disorders, including moderate benefits to those with psychosis. Research studies have shown a positive relationship between trait mindfulness (which can be cultivated through the practice of mindfulness-based interventions) and psychological health. Programs based on mindfulness models have been adopted within schools, prisons, hospitals, veterans' centers, and other environments, and mindfulness programs have been applied for additional outcomes such as for healthy aging, weight management, athletic performance, helping children with special needs, and as an intervention during the perinatal period.Ĭlinical studies have documented both physical- and mental-health benefits of mindfulness in different patient categories as well as in healthy adults and children. Mindfulness practice has been employed to reduce depression, stress, anxiety, and in the treatment of drug addiction. Davidson, and Sam Harris.Ĭlinical psychology and psychiatry since the 1970s have developed a number of therapeutic applications based on mindfulness for helping people experiencing a variety of psychological conditions. Individuals who have contributed to the popularity of mindfulness in the modern Western context include Thích Nhất Hạnh, Herbert Benson, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Richard J. Though definitions and techniques of mindfulness are wide-ranging, Buddhist traditions explain what constitutes mindfulness such as how past, present and future moments arise and cease as momentary sense impressions and mental phenomena. Mindfulness derives from sati, a significant element of Buddhist traditions, and is based on Zen, Vipassanā, and Tibetan meditation techniques. Mindfulness is the practice of purposely bringing one's attention in the present moment without evaluation, a skill one develops through meditation or other training.

Define mindful