#223 Mindfulness, Time Affluence, Commuting, Quality of Life

     "Mindfulness is (a) personal circumstance which enhances individuals’ mental health, positive social engagement, and adaptive behavioral regulation. Mindfulness is defined as a present-oriented, open, and nonjudgmental expression of conscious awareness. Unique among other theories of awareness such as self-concept and integrative awareness, mindfulness is associated with monitoring and observing moment-by-moment sensory and psychic events. Further, those who practice mindfulness remain detached from identity concerns, seeking instead to accept experiences as they arise. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that mindfulness is related to peaceful, restorative experiences within the context of the work commute, which can be labeled commute attunement. Mindful travelers are likely to ‘attune to’ their commuting experience; for example, they report feeling relaxed and content while traveling to work and are more capable than less mindful travelers to cope with potential sources of commute-generated stress and agitation.

     Furthermore, mindful cognitive states coordinate and interact with other perceptions and needs. Relevant here is recent research ... which suggests that thoughts relating to feeling one has sufficient time to engage in activities that are personally meaningful and growth-promoting, can enhance the salutary effects of mindfulness. Such time-related perceptions represent a construct known as time affluence. Individuals with high degrees of time affluence report abilities to perform tasks in a leisurely manner and to deeply reflect upon life experiences. In addition to time affluence, mindful states have greater probability of expression when psychological needs such as competence, or feelings associated with performing activities with skill and aptitude, are satisfied. Therefore it is likely that greater levels of time affluence and competence are apt to facilitate increasingly robust expressions of mindfulness. Further, past work indicates that satisfaction across life domains is frequently fortified by greater levels of time affluence, competence, and mindfulness."

        LaJeunesse S, Rodriguez DA. Mindfulness, time affluence, and journey-based affect: Exploring relationships. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour 2012; 15(2): 196-205.

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