Where mindfulness comes from and what it means?

Mindfulness is derived from ancient spiritual practices like Hinduism and Buddhism. In the 1970s, the practice of mindfulness traveled west, and the practice became more secular. After learning about mindfulness, scientist Jon Kabat-Zinn and others created the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program or MBSR at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Much of the religious-based language was replaced with more science-based, secular language. This increased the program's appeal for those not wanting a ‘religious practice’ to support stress reduction and other issues.

Over time, science became interested in mindfulness and its impact on health, mental health, and brain health. The practice of mindfulness has proven itself helpful in stress management, supporting chronic pain and illness, and addressing mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and others. As science began to explore the benefits of mindfulness, its popularity increased. Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging or MRI to determine that the brain undergoes changes that support reduced stress and anxiety, and from there, mindfulness has grown again. Apps, videos, courses, and online mindfulness courses are available because of their popularity.

Mindfulness is the awareness that comes from paying attention in the present to the present moment, with intention and non-judgment. This may sound much like meditation or similar practices but is unique. There are no religious or spiritual aspects to mindfulness, and its effectiveness is research-supported. There aren’t any required gizmos or gadgets to buy, and no perfectly silent room or snowy mountain top is required to practice it. In fact, a goal of mindfulness is increasing the amount of time that one can be mindful, at the moment, in daily life. We can be mindful while cultivating the skill of paying attention to each unfolding moment without judgment while seated on a meditation cushion, or we can practice mindfulness while in line at the grocery store.

If you’re looking to start a mindfulness practice, thousands of videos and articles on the internet to read to support you in that journey. You may also enjoy working with a therapist trained in mindfulness toward specific goals or on specific problems.