Mindfulness Approach

Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist psychology and has been defined as “paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment with acceptance” (See Kabat-Zinn’s book “Full Catastrophe Living - Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain and Illness", 1990). In recent years, there has been an explosion in medical research, demonstrating the health and emotional benefits of mindfulness practice. These benefits include better management of pain, depression, stress, and anxiety as well as improved immune functioning and a more compassionate, less judgmental attitude towards ourselves and others.

Mindfulness practice can take many forms: Meditation (sitting, walking), yoga, mindful eating, mindful communication, or simply bringing mindful awareness to the activities of daily life. These are all ways to practice greater attention that enable us to engage more fully in our lives and relationships.

Mindfulness can also offer insight into the mind, body and emotions, uncovering patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to tension, stress reactivity and challenging communications. Seeing the ways in which we react to stress and suffering can help to make positive choices in our lives and to develop compassion for others who suffer.

For further reading, please also visit the Resource section of this site.