In terms of the study of mindfulness however, which
has its roots both in Eastern contemplative and meditative practices and
Western psychology, it is a little more expansive. There are numerous definitions, but one frequently
used is “paying attention in a particular
way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally” (Kabat-Zinn,
1994: 4)2.
Our ability to be mindful is both innate and
developable. When we cultivate
mindfulness, it opens us up to new ways of being and doing. Indeed research has demonstrated it to be
effective in managing stress and for enhancing wellbeing, decision making and
relationships3.
If you are like the Energy company managers on last
week’s programme and are keen to understand what it actually means at a
tangible level and are interested to put some numbers to it, there are various
evaluation measures. Taking less than 5
minutes to complete, a tool like this one can help enhance your understanding
of what mindfulness is in terms of behaviours and traits and help raise self awareness
about one’s own experiences and patterns.
Sources:
2. Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994) Wherever you go there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life.
New York: Hyperion.
3. Brown, K.W., Ryan, R.M., and Creswell, J.D. (2007a)
“Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects”, Psychological Inquiry, vol. 8, no. 4,
pp. 211-237.
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