What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is purposefully directing one’s attention to the current moment without being judgmental. It includes both internal mental processes and external surroundings. It involves being conscious of one’s thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present instant. When you consistently practice mindfulness, it enables you to ease away from reactive and ingrained patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

“The process of mindfulness allows a person to wake up and be aware of what they’re doing. Once you’re aware, you can change your actions.” – Michelle May, MD

Benefits of Mindfulness

1. Lower stress: Practicing mindfulness has been found to reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and a sense of calm. It allows individuals to observe their thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.
2. Self-awareness and better self-care: Mindfulness cultivates self-awareness by encouraging individuals to pay attention to their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. This heightened awareness enables a better understanding of personal needs and promotes self-care practices.
3. Improved memory (short and long-term): Regular mindfulness practice has been linked to improvements in memory functions. It enhances both short-term memory, aiding in tasks such as remembering names or items on a to-do list, and long-term memory, facilitating the retention of information over time.
4. Mood boost, happiness, and well-being: Mindfulness practice has been associated with increased happiness and overall well-being. By focusing on the present moment and fostering a non-judgmental attitude, mindfulness helps individuals appreciate positive experiences and navigate challenging emotions more effectively.
5. Focus and concentration: Mindfulness enhances focus and concentration by training the mind to stay present and resist distractions. This can be particularly beneficial in academic or professional settings, where sustained attention is required for optimal performance.

The History of Mindfulness

Hindu & Buddhist

Mindfulness originates from Hindu and Buddhist traditions.  Within the languages used within both, the following words and breakdowns of those words can help understand the initial intent behind mindfulness.

1. Sati-upaṭṭhāna: This term refers to the “presence of mindfulness” or the “establishment of mindfulness.” It emphasizes the practice of being fully present and aware of the current moment.
2. Sati-paṭṭhāna: This term denotes the “foundation of mindfulness.” It signifies the fundamental basis upon which mindfulness is cultivated and developed.
3. “Sati”: In Pali, the language of early Buddhist texts, “sati” translates to “to remember,” “to recollect,” or “to bear in mind.” It signifies the quality of retention and mindfulness, reminding oneself to observe and be aware.
4. “Upaṭṭhāna”: This term conveys the meanings of “attendance,” “waiting on,” or “looking after.” It highlights mindfulness’s attentive and caretaking aspects, suggesting a focused presence and observation.
5. “Paṭṭhāna”: This term refers to “setting forth,” “putting forward,” or “starting point.” It signifies the origin or foundation from which mindfulness arises and is cultivated.

Within Buddhist traditions, mindfulness is further explained in terms of the arising and ceasing of moments in the past, present, and future. It encompasses the observation of momentary sense impressions and mental phenomena, emphasizing the impermanent nature of experiences.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh, a revered figure in Western Buddhism and a monk, is often recognized as the father of Mindfulness. He lived from 1926 to 2022 and significantly contributed to the popularization and understanding of mindfulness practices.

One of his notable teachings is the Five Mindfulness Trainings, which are observed at Plum Village and serve as guiding principles for practitioners.

1. Protecting life: This training encourages individuals to cultivate nonviolence within themselves, their families, and society, promoting a commitment to preserving and respecting all forms of life.
2. Social justice and generosity: Practitioners are encouraged to uphold principles of fairness, and generosity, and refrain from stealing or exploiting others.
3. Responsible sexual behavior: This training emphasizes the importance of ethical and respectful sexual conduct, which safeguards the well-being of individuals, couples, families, and children.
4. Deep listening and loving speech: Communication is seen as essential, and this training highlights the importance of compassionate listening and speaking with love to restore understanding and foster reconciliation.
5. Mindful consumption: This training encourages individuals to be mindful of what they consume, avoiding toxins and harmful substances that negatively impact their bodies and minds.

Additionally, Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings extend to the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings observed by the Order of Interbeing, also known as Tiep Hien. 

These trainings include:

1. Openness: Cultivating an open and receptive mind to embrace new ideas and perspectives.
2. Non-attachment to views: Letting go of fixed beliefs and remaining open to different possibilities.
3. Freedom of thought: Nurturing the freedom to think and explore ideas without being bound by dogma.
4. Awareness of suffering: Developing an understanding of suffering in oneself and others and taking compassionate action to alleviate it.
5. Compassionate, healthy living: Promoting a lifestyle that fosters compassion, well-being, and the protection of oneself and others.
6. Taking care of anger: Learning to handle anger and transforming it into constructive actions and understanding.
7. Dwelling happily in the present moment: Cultivating mindfulness and finding joy and contentment in the present.
8. True community and communication: Nurturing harmonious relationships, communication, and building a supportive community.
9. Truthful and loving speech: Practicing honest and compassionate communication that fosters understanding and connection.
10. Protecting and nourishing the sangha: Caring for and supporting the community of practitioners dedicated to understanding and compassion.
11. Right livelihood: Engaging in work that aligns with one’s values and contributes to the well-being of others and the world.
12. Reverence for life: Honoring and respecting all forms of life and cultivating a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all beings.
13. Generosity: Cultivating a generous spirit and sharing one’s time, energy, and resources to support others.
14. True love: Nurturing and cultivating love, compassion, and understanding in all aspects of life.

Jon Kabat-Zinn

Jon Kabat-Zinn, born in 1944, is a prominent figure known for his contributions to the field of mindfulness. In 1979, he developed the mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, located at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Originally, the MBSR program was designed to assist individuals in managing chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and depression. Kabat-Zinn’s approach to mindfulness in this program was secular, removing the Buddhist aspects and focusing on the scientific understanding and application of mindfulness.

During his journey, Kabat-Zinn studied meditation under renowned teachers such as Philip Kapleau, Thích Nhất Hạnh, and Seungsahn, integrating their teachings into his practice and work.

Kabat-Zinn’s well-known definition of mindfulness is “Awareness that arises through paying attention in a particular way—on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” This definition highlights the essence of being fully present and cultivating moment-to-moment, non-judgmental awareness.

Resource: Wilson, Jeff (2014). Mindful America: The Mutual Transformation of Buddhist Meditation and American Culture. Oxford University Press. p. 35.

Other Leaders in Mindfulness

Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, and Joseph Goldstein are notable figures in the field of mindfulness. They co-founded the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in 1975, which became a prominent center for meditation and mindfulness practice.

Ellen Langer, born in 1947, is a researcher known for her work on the illusion of control, decision-making, aging, and mindfulness theory. One of her notable studies focused on Reminiscence Therapy for aging individuals. This study was replicated in multiple countries and formed the basis of a BBC series called “The Young Ones,” which was nominated for a British Academy of Film and Television Award.

Gail Soffer is involved in the Mindful Warrior Project, a group dedicated to assisting military veterans in utilizing mindfulness to enhance their well-being after combat. The Mindful Veteran Project, which includes a virtual interview with Gail Soffer, is among the initiatives aimed at supporting veterans through mindfulness practices.