Mindfulness Research Paper

Words: 1896
Pages: 8

Mindfulness has been used for centuries across the world to help regulate the mind and body, but for the Western culture it has been brought to light to more people recently. The world of psychology has truly adapted mindfulness practice into treatment. So, what is mindfulness? What can we do to become mindful? How can I incorporate mindfulness meditations? Lastly, how can this impact one’s life? Those are a few questions anyone who has never experienced mindfulness might ask one if it is brought up. Mindfulness is defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn’s defines mindfulness as “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; On purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” (What is mindfulness) This is a brief description of mindfulness …show more content…
It allows us to simply sit and be aware in the moment. We can experience whatever emotions or feeling may be within us. Here we are sitting with whatever is within us and not being taken away by experiencing them. We have learned to “let it come, let it stay, the let it go.” (Sitting Meditation) With allowing everything within us to come and go, we are learning to observe all of the thoughts and images within our minds with an accepting eye. This also provides us with a safe space to view everything that impacts our daily lives, despite the storms that may arise during this process. (Sitting Meditation) During sitting meditation you will want to sit up straight with our spine straight, place your feet on the ground, or sit on the floor with them crossed, and gently place your palms on your lap. Begin to shift your mind to your breath and become aware of the sensations on each inhalation and exhalation. Slowly become aware of what is happening around and inside of you. With this you will want to embrace everything that comes up, but remember, do not judge if it is good or bad. If the mind begins to wander, you simply want to realize it and then return the wandering to the breath. During this time if your become uncomfortable, remain concentrated by staying with your breath, and begin to change your posture to become more comfortable. The more frequently you meditate, you will become aware of which methods work best for …show more content…
You can take thirty minutes a day to sit and meditate to help lower your stress levels. Mindfulness meditation has been proven to improve both physical and mental health. Psychologists have begun incorporating mindfulness to treat symptoms as well as improve well-being and mental health. In recent years, psychotherapists have turned to mindfulness meditation as an important element in the treatment of a number of problems, including, but not limited to, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, couples’ conflicts, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Experts believe that by having people accept their painful experiences, results better than them using aversion and avoidance. (Benefits of