Mindfulness (Psychology)

In the field of psychology, mindfulness involves having self-awareness of one's internal state (thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations such as one's heart rate, breathing, etc.) and surroundings.^[1]

Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, Fray Francisco de Oscuna, St. Theresa, Father Nicolas, and other early Christian ascetics/mystics practiced “contemplation”/“recollection” (contemplation of the revelations of God through Scipture, etc.) in order to shut off the mind from external thoughts and to achieve a passive attitude and mental solitude.^[2] See: Christian mysticism

Journaling and improvement of mindfulness[edit]

See also: Diary

Journaling improves self-distancing, self-awareness and mindfulness.^[3][4][5][6] Self-distancing is one's ability to reflect on past events/emotions as an objective observer.^[7] This improves one's ability to break away from a nonstop cycle of obsessive thinking and brooding.^[8]

Journal articles[edit]

• Mindfulness-based positive psychology interventions: a systematic review, BMC Psychology. 9, Article number: 116 (2021)

• Mindfulness-based positive psychology interventions: a systematic review, BMC Psychology volume 9, Article number: 116 (2021)

See also[edit]

• Self-regulation
• Self-awareness
• Agency (psychology)

External links[edit]

• What is Mindfulness and Why is Mindfulness Important, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

• What is Mindfulness? A Simple Practice for Greater Wellbeing, Healthline

• Breath meditation: A great way to relieve stress, Harvard Medical School

• With mindfulness, life’s in the moment, The Harvard Gazette

Notes[edit]