What is Mindfulness and How Does It Work?
Clear comprehension is what mindfulness, or sampajanna (in Pali), also refers to in Buddhist scriptures. Its purpose is to help us see clearly and respond to life’s challenges more effectively, making wiser decisions (Shapiro 2020).
Mindfulness is a noun that refers to a state of mind. It can be described as calmness, gratitude, or compassion. This state can have a profound impact on our lives.
It can be used verbally, such as “to be mindful”, to refer to a state of mind that involves a gentle, nurturing, moment-by-moment awareness of emotions, thoughts, and body sensations. Research supports the idea that a mindful brain can help you live a happier, more productive life (Shapiro 2020; Williams & Penman 2016, 2016).
Although mindfulness is a concept that originated in ancient Chinese medicine (Tang 2018, 2018), it has become a common part of modern western therapies to treat a wide range psychological and physiological conditions.
According to Yi-Yuan Tang, Professor of Psychological Science at Texas Tech University (Tang 2018, p.viii), “mindfulness training can improve brain activity and alter brain connectivity and bodily process”.
Its effects are so fast that just five sessions can result in improvements in the central and autonomous nervous systems. These are essential for processing danger and stress, regulating bodily functions, and connecting our brain to our internal organs (Tang 2018, 2018).
The idea and meaning behind mindfulness are deeply ingrained. This recognition is that we are not fixed in our identity. Neuroscientists use this term to describe our ability to learn, unlearn and grow.
It is believed that the brain changes constantly throughout our lives. This means that we can change how we feel about the present.
What are the Links Between Mindfulness and Positive Psychology?
Martin Seligman, who is often considered the father of Positive Psychology, said that positive psychology should continue to evolve beyond the “neck up” to integrate all aspects of the body.
These transformations and inclusion have allowed for the use of many cutting-edge therapeutic techniques and neurofeedback techniques such as mindfulness and biofeedback, which have proven highly effective in treating anxiety and other mental illnesses (Lomas and al., 2014).
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for positive psychology. It supports positive emotions like gratitude and compassion. Meditation and mindfulness can help you to reflect on your emotions and thoughts. This can help you move away from dwelling on negative emotions and towards positive emotions.
Mindfulness, like positive psychology, encourages acceptance of emotions and awareness that they are often influenced and affected by bodily sensations. It also encourages an acknowledgement that even the most distressing emotions can fade or change over time (Lomas and al., 2014).
“Growing evidence has shown that mindfulness practice induces both trait and state changes” (Tang 2018, p. 30). Mindfulness meditation can temporarily change the brain’s connectivity, condition, and activity pattern. These techniques can also be used for longer periods to change a person’s mood and personality.
Potential to assist clients with difficult situations, emotions, or thought patterns is immense.
Many intervention programs that combine positive psychology and mindfulness have been created. Itai Ivtzan and her colleagues created one that combined mindfulness meditation practice with the best possible self intervention to help people create meaningful lives. (Ivtzan Lomas, Hefferon & Worth 2016, 2016).
