Current Tensions and Challenges in Mindfulness Research and Practice

Ben Ainsworth, Eman Albedah, Melissa Atkinson, Sian Duncan, Julia Groot, Pamela Jacobsen, Amanda James, Tom Jenkins, Katerina Kylisova, Elizabeth Marks, Emma Osborne, Masha Remskar, Rosalia Underhill

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

The field of mindfulness practice and research has expanded over recent years and become more established in the public consciousness. In this paper we explore four key tensions for the mindfulness community to hold in awareness. These include: Mindfulness for me vs mindfulness for others (an awareness of the loss of the spiritual and collective elements historically essential to mindfulness), Mindfulness for some vs mindfulness for all (understanding why mindfulness may be more appealing for some more than others), The whole vs the sum of its parts (the need to understand the mechanisms of mindfulness and still preserve its integrity), and Improving access vs preserving fidelity (balancing modifications to address issues such as accessibility with retaining core components). Recognising such challenges is a vital aspect of ensuring that mindfulness researchers and practitioners continue to work in a way that retains authenticity and trust within this burgeoning field and helps to support engagement from a diverse range of people across the modern world.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)343-348
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Contemporary Psychotherapy
Volume53
Issue number4
Early online date20 May 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Dec 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding: No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript.

Keywords

  • Community
  • Compassion
  • Meditation
  • Mindfulness
  • Wellbeing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Clinical Psychology

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