The Benefits Of Mindfulness Training

By Jerry Nelson


Most people have heard the term living in the now or living in the present moment. In most cases, this refers to the concept of Mindfulness Training. For, mindfulness is the psychological process which focuses on bringing attention to actions and experiences going on in the current moment in time.

While meditation is most often the tool used in mindfulness practices, there are also other training methods. The concept of the practice derived from sati, an ancient and significant aspect of Zen Buddhism and Tibetan meditation can often be found being practiced at Zen and yoga centers. Beginning in the 1970s, clinical psychology started adopting a number of applications related to the practice in relation to treating different psychological conditions.

In the 1970s, clinical psychologists began using the practice to treat a number of psychological conditions ranging from extreme anxiety and stress to psychosis. In fact, there were cases in which meditation and mindfulness were effective in cases where traditional medications and methods had failed. Whether focused on special needs, psychosis, weight management, athletic performance or healthy aging, the practice has often been successful.

Clinical trials and studies have both shown mental and physical benefits of the practice in healthy adults, children and those whom are ill or injured. In addition, research studies have continuously shown positive results when it comes to the relationship between psychological health and mindfulness. One of the most interesting aspects of mindfulness is that the practice has been able to calm psychiatric disorders, including that of psychosis, which had previously been non-receptive to other forms of treatment.

Mindfulness is a practice which has also shown promise in eliminating other mental disorders through the elimination of rumination and worry. In addition, the development of conditions such as ADD, ODD, ADHD and other behavioral based disorders have been known to be halted when diagnosed early. While this is the case, individuals in these studies agreed to practice meditation and mindfulness on a regular basis and attend follow up sessions.

In order to get the most out of meditation, individuals must learn the skill of focusing only on activities and actions in the present moment. During the process, body scanning, breathing techniques and refocusing attention when drifting toward distractions or thoughts can often be helpful in reaching a mindful state. By locating a quiet setting, then sitting cross-legged on a floor, or sitting up straight in a chair with back support while repeating I am, on the inhale and relaxed on the exhale, individuals may find it easier to monitor breathing during meditative sessions.

By simply becoming aware of breathing patterns and rhythms, one is often placed into the present moment. Whereas, if using body scan techniques, meditation is focused on different areas of the body while noticing sensations in each area. Other techniques involve focusing on actions, feelings, thoughts, sensations and sounds which are present in the moment.

When it comes to length of meditative sessions or sitting in a mindful state, most do so for anywhere from ten to thirty minutes, with some sitting much longer periods. Generally, individuals whom sit for longer than thirty minutes are well seasoned at the practice and do so to clear the mind rather than work on achieving a mindful state. For, individuals whom can sit for an hour or more are most likely going to have a clear path to living in the present moment.




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