Mindfulness (Psychology)
In the field of psychology, mindfulness involves having self-awareness of one's internal state (thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations such as one's heart rate, breathing, etc.) and surroundings.[1]
"Mindfulness is a psychological practice that involves paying attention to the present moment with acceptance and without judgment. It encompasses:
- Non-reactivity: Observing thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. See also: Emotional stability and Peak performance and Flow state
- Acceptance: Accepting thoughts and feelings as they arise, without trying to change or suppress them.
- Focus on the present: Paying attention to sensations, thoughts, and emotions in the current moment."[2]
Mindfulness practices can include meditation, walking (especially in nature), and mindful eating. It is designed to cultivate a state of inner calm, awareness, and compassion.[3] See also: Empathy
Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, Fray Francisco de Oscuna, St. Theresa, Father Nicolas, and other early Christian ascetics/mystics practiced “contemplation”/“recollection” (contemplation of the revelations of God through Scipture, etc.) in order to shut off the mind from external thoughts and to achieve a passive attitude and mental solitude.[4] See: Christian meditative prayer and Christian mysticism
Contents
Journaling and improvement of mindfulness
See also: Diary
Journaling improves self-distancing, self-awareness and mindfulness.[5][6][7][8] Self-distancing is one's ability to reflect on past events/emotions as an objective observer.[9] This improves one's ability to break away from a nonstop cycle of obsessive thinking and brooding.[10]
Journal articles
- Mindfulness-based positive psychology interventions: a systematic review, BMC Psychology. 9, Article number: 116 (2021)
- Mindfulness-based positive psychology interventions: a systematic review, BMC Psychology volume 9, Article number: 116 (2021)
See also
External links
- What Is Mindfulness?, Greater Good Magazine
- What is Mindfulness and Why is Mindfulness Important, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Breath meditation: A great way to relieve stress, Harvard Medical School
- With mindfulness, life’s in the moment, The Harvard Gazette
Notes
- ↑ Mindfuldness, APA Dictionary of Psychology
- ↑ What is mindfulness?
- ↑ What is mindfulness?
- ↑ The Relaxation Response Herbert Benson, M.D. Harvard University
- ↑ The Benefits of Creating a Journaling Routine By Sarah Bence, OTR/L, VeryWellHealth.com
- ↑ Ready, Set, Journal! 64 Journaling Prompts for Self-Discovery, PsychCentral
- ↑ 12 Journal Prompts for Emotional Health and Awareness, PsychCentral.com
- ↑ What’s All This About Journaling?, New York Times, 2018
- ↑ The Benefits of Creating a Journaling Routine By Sarah Bence, OTR/L, VeryWellHealth.com
- ↑ 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health, PositivePsychology.com
