#457 Why Practice Mindfulness

     The need for self-regulation takes priority over and necessarily precedes self-exploration & liberation. The critical thing to remember is that adequate self-regulation is NOT "as good as it gets" and that mindfulness practice is an effective, well-trodden path for self-exploration, and beyond.

     "the intention behind traditional Eastern mindfulness practice is transformation, liberation, & compassion for all beings,

     whereas in the Western context, the intention includes more secular motivations such as time-out from daily stress, development of better coping mechanisms, or as a means of self-regulation."

       Thurman SK. Review of 'Neuroscience, consciousness & spirituality.' Mindfulness 2013; 4(3): 286-88.

      "The goal of meditation at its deepest level has been liberation from the egoic self; developing a sense of harmony with the universe; and the ability to increase one's compassion, sensitivity, & service to others. These goals may include, but go beyond, personal self-regulation or self-exploration."

        Shapiro DH. Examining the content and context of meditation; A challenge for psychology in the areas of stress management, psychotherapy, and religion/values. Journal of Humanistic Psychology 1994; 34(4): 101-135.  

clauluna   www.dpreview.com

#414 Mindfulness is Mainstream

     88% of American college students who responded to the 2013 National College Health Assessment survey said they felt overwhelmed by everything that they had to do, and 49% said they felt that things were hopeless. And these 'emerging adults' have yet to face the real responsibilities and challenges of adult life!
     Life is moving faster, it's more complicated, more interconnected, less controllable and experienced as far more stressful than ever before. And we have fewer traditional resources to help us cope and promote resilience (extended families with stay-at-home Mom, stable small town communities, community of faith, etc). More about the significance of "community": http://www.johnlovas.com/2013/10/what-really-matters-in-community.html

     Mindfulness practices are helping to fill this critical void in our private lives, health-care, education, law, the arts, management, government, and now the military:
     "The U.S. Marine Corps, known for turning out some of the military's toughest warriors, is studying how to make its troops even tougher through meditative practices, yoga-type stretching and exercises based on mindfulness.
     Marine Corps officials say they will build a curriculum that would integrate mindfulness-based techniques into their training if they see positive results from a pilot project. Mindfulness ... emphasizes active attention on the moment to keep the mind in the present. 
     Facing a record suicide rate and thousands of veterans seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress, the military has been searching for ways to reduce strains on service members burdened with more than a decade of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. 
     Marine Corps officials are testing a series of brain calming exercises called "Mindfulness-Based Mind Fitness Training" that they believe could enhance the performance of troops, who are under mounting pressures from long deployments and looming budget cuts expected to slim down forces."
     Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/u-s-marines-learn-meditate-stress-reduction-program-article-1.1245698#ixzz2hz5r5zmy

     See also "Mindfulness Goes Mainstream" July 20, 2012 PBS video (~9min): http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/2012/07/20/july-20-2012-mindfulness-goes-mainstream/11881/