Study: Mindfulness goes beyond personal well-being?

LONDON: In a world where stress seemed to lurk around every corner and the anticipation of Monday morning conference calls loomed, individuals sought various methods to stay composed and alleviate anxiety.

Among the myriad techniques, mindfulness stood as a prominent approach, advocating the pursuit of tranquility by concentrating on the present instant while dispelling concerns from the past and future. However, recent research underscored that the essence of mindfulness extended beyond individual serenity.

A study led by researchers from the University of Bath Centre for Mindfulness and Community posited that individuals, instead of using mindfulness to enhance their relationships with others, tended to inadvertently turn the focus inward, fixating on self-improvement endeavors.

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The comprehensive analysis, assembled by psychologists and therapists, elaborated that many people missed the broader implications and applications of mindfulness. These benefits encompassed deep self-reflection and building connections, which were often overlooked due to a narrow interpretation of the practice.

Meanwhile, in the study, a clinical psychologist and lead researcher Dr Liz Marks effectively employed mindfulness within the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) to manage tinnitus. She recognised its effectiveness in helping people pause and reflect on their busy lives. Yet, she believed that mindfulness could have an even stronger impact if people also deeply considered others and the world around them.

In a university statement, Dr Marks emphasised, “Mindfulness holds a growing global interest, and rightly so. Amid the tumultuous pace of existence, this practice offers a pivotal juncture for reflection. Regrettably, it is often portrayed as a tool solely for self-enhancement. We posit that mindfulness can offer a more expansive role, allowing individuals to transcend self-interest and deepen their connection with nature and community.”

Furthermore, Dr Marks has also explored environmental psychology, the ascent of eco-anxiety, ecological concerns, and possible societal remedies. Rather than seeing mindfulness as a cure-all for personal improvement, Dr Marks envisioned it as a supportive discipline that empowered individuals to navigate contemporary challenges adeptly while contemplating ways to enrich the world for all.

However, Dr Pamela Jacobsen, co-author of the study and a specialist in cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, believed that these findings would galvanise augmented interest in the application of mindfulness in clinical settings.

“Incorporating mindfulness holds immense potential across a spectrum of health conditions, spanning from chronic pain to depression,” Dr Jacobsen added.

With the growing popularity of mindfulness, there was a surge in online mindfulness applications. Dr Jacobsen advocated for thorough testing and evaluation to align these apps with comprehensive programs that individuals could access and genuinely benefit from.