Recently I've seen masses of skepticism about the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness is defined by Jon Kabat Zin as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment.” As I've learned about this through my Sport & Exercise Psychology courses and wellness classes, I have to believe that people who hear of mindfulness as a practice only as "focusing on the present, rather than the past or the future" are only paying attention to surface value. The New York Times posted an article titled "Actually, Let's Not Be In The Moment," slamming mindfulness and completely ignoring the practice as a remedy and actual cure for chronic disease(s). After reading that, a few days later I saw a banner that read "Is Mindfulness Just a Fad?" Probably not, because the first medicinal practice put into place for mindfulness was, I'd like to point out, some real instances that Mindfulness as a practice cured and served justices to individuals with chronic pain and other disease(s).
1. Jon Kabat Zin has popularized mindfulness in the Western part of the world with an eight-week program he designed in 1979 called Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for the chronically ill. Initially skeptical, "meditation?" mostly all of the patients were pessimistic toward their referral to a meditation practice. An overwhelming 94 percent of his clients left satisfied and optimistic with continuing their life after just eight weeks practicing mindfulness-meditation. These people replaced suffering with a mindful meditation program, and their families reported how simply comfortable being around them (some for the first time) has been. *I don't think a placebo replaces chronic pain...
2. Buddhism; how do these Buddhists stay so Zen? The first recorded practice of mindfulness dates back to 1340, but that's not to say that's when it was founded. The Buddhist practice, sati (unlike the Hindu sati, although it's tough to confuse the two) is recognized as mindful in the present moment. Their way of life dates back to 6 B.C.E. and it's been working for them ever since. "If it isn't broke, don't fix it." — Buddhists (not really.)
3. Myself! Overwhelmed with honestly just myself, and life, finding peace in the practice of mindfulness has proven successful for me. It's easy to be overcome with anxiousness and the stresses of whatever life can throw at you. I am not one to succumb under pressure, but that doesn't mean I don't feel it, too. After workshops with full body scans and being present tasting raisins "for the first time," it is easier for me to take a breath before a decision, and to be rational through hard decisions. As I am impulsive, I have learned to allow myself to see all dimensions of something before I act. When I used to feel like I was drowning and really consumed with nervousness, recognizing myself in the moment and where I am, brings my mind back to me and leaves little room to wander.
Following this article, next week I will demonstrate ways to practice mindfulness effectively. I want to eliminate the idea of mindfulness being a fad, as it's popularity is growing, it would be a shame to knock it as it has proved to cure and help the lives of thousands who have maintained patience in the practice.
