Mindfulness
Introduction:
Mindfulness is a deceptively simple way of relating to
all experience that can reduce suffering and set the
stage for positive personal transformation. It is a core
psychological process that can alter how we respond to
the unavoidable difficulties in life --- not only to
everyday existential challenges, but also to severe
psychological problems such as suicidal ideation.
(Linehan, 1993), chronic depression (Segal, Williams &
Teasdale 2002) & psychotic delusion (Bach & Hayes,
2002). It is the capacity to be fully conscious & aware.
But unfortunately, we usually remain in this state for a
brief period of time and are soon reabsorbed into
familiar daydreams and personal narratives. The
capacity for sustained moment-to-moment awareness
especially in the midst for emotional turmoil is a special
skill. Fortunately it is a skill that can be learned.
Definition:
Mindfulness is an elusive, yet central aspect of the
2500 years old tradition of Buddhist psychology.
Mindfulness is an English translation of the Pali word
"Sati" which connotes awareness, attention and
remembering. The first dictionary translation of Sati
was 'mindfulness' dates to 1921 (Davis &Stede
1921/2001).
Modified Definition
However, the definition of 'mindfulness' has been
somewhat modified for its use in psychotherapy.
, ■ Awareness is inherently powerful.
■ Attention is a focused awareness, which is even
more powerful. By redirecting our attention rather than
trying to control or suppress intense emotions, we can
regulate how we feel.
■ Remembering- the other aspect of mindfulness does
not refer to memory of past events, rather it means
remembering to be aware and pay attention,
highlighting the importance of intention in mindfulness
practice. Each moment we remind ourselves
"Remember - be aware"!
But mindfulness means more than being passively
aware or being aware for awareness sake. The
buddhist scholar John Dunne (2009) has painted out
that awareness attention, attention, and remembering
(Sati) are present when a shiper, with malice in his
heart, aims at an innocent victim.
The purpose of mindfulness
The purpose of mindfulness in its ancient contexts is
to eliminate needless suffering by cultivating insight
into the workings of the mind and the nature of the
material world. The mindfulness practitioner is actively
working with states of mind in order to abide peacefully
in the midst of whatever happens. Mindfulness helps us
to recognise when we also need to cultivate other
mental qualities - such as alertness, concentration,
loving-kindness and effort - to skilfully alleviate
suffering. Mindfulness uproot entrenched habits of mind
that cause unhappiness, such as the affective emotions
of anger, envy or greed or behaviours that harm
ourselves and others.
Introduction:
Mindfulness is a deceptively simple way of relating to
all experience that can reduce suffering and set the
stage for positive personal transformation. It is a core
psychological process that can alter how we respond to
the unavoidable difficulties in life --- not only to
everyday existential challenges, but also to severe
psychological problems such as suicidal ideation.
(Linehan, 1993), chronic depression (Segal, Williams &
Teasdale 2002) & psychotic delusion (Bach & Hayes,
2002). It is the capacity to be fully conscious & aware.
But unfortunately, we usually remain in this state for a
brief period of time and are soon reabsorbed into
familiar daydreams and personal narratives. The
capacity for sustained moment-to-moment awareness
especially in the midst for emotional turmoil is a special
skill. Fortunately it is a skill that can be learned.
Definition:
Mindfulness is an elusive, yet central aspect of the
2500 years old tradition of Buddhist psychology.
Mindfulness is an English translation of the Pali word
"Sati" which connotes awareness, attention and
remembering. The first dictionary translation of Sati
was 'mindfulness' dates to 1921 (Davis &Stede
1921/2001).
Modified Definition
However, the definition of 'mindfulness' has been
somewhat modified for its use in psychotherapy.
, ■ Awareness is inherently powerful.
■ Attention is a focused awareness, which is even
more powerful. By redirecting our attention rather than
trying to control or suppress intense emotions, we can
regulate how we feel.
■ Remembering- the other aspect of mindfulness does
not refer to memory of past events, rather it means
remembering to be aware and pay attention,
highlighting the importance of intention in mindfulness
practice. Each moment we remind ourselves
"Remember - be aware"!
But mindfulness means more than being passively
aware or being aware for awareness sake. The
buddhist scholar John Dunne (2009) has painted out
that awareness attention, attention, and remembering
(Sati) are present when a shiper, with malice in his
heart, aims at an innocent victim.
The purpose of mindfulness
The purpose of mindfulness in its ancient contexts is
to eliminate needless suffering by cultivating insight
into the workings of the mind and the nature of the
material world. The mindfulness practitioner is actively
working with states of mind in order to abide peacefully
in the midst of whatever happens. Mindfulness helps us
to recognise when we also need to cultivate other
mental qualities - such as alertness, concentration,
loving-kindness and effort - to skilfully alleviate
suffering. Mindfulness uproot entrenched habits of mind
that cause unhappiness, such as the affective emotions
of anger, envy or greed or behaviours that harm
ourselves and others.
