The Westernization of Mindfulness Meditation

Acupuncture, tai chi, yoga and chi gong are but a few of many fascinating healthful practices from the "Eastern" part of the world that are developing a solid foundation of dedicated teachers in the "Western" hemisphere. These healing disciplines are drawing an ever growing number of students, from those individuals who are simply curious dabblers to those who incorporate these practices into their daily lives with steadfast devotion.

Mindfulness meditation is one particular mind-body discipline that has its roots in Eastern philosophy but is becoming amazingly popular in the United States. In fact practitioners in Western society have taken the original form of mindfulness meditation and gradually mutated it in to a meditative practice well-suited for the busy lifestyle and emotional/mental health needs of the average American.

Mindfulness meditation has it's origins in the Buddhist religion. When this method of meditation is practiced in the Buddhist way, it is but one piece of the spectrum of inseparable practices and beliefs of Buddhism. The core of Buddhist teachings is to provide one with the opportunity and tools to gain genuine insight into the cause and perpetuation of suffering, and thereby achieve spiritual freedom.

The Western version of mindfulness meditation has removed it from the intensely integrated spiritual context of Buddhism. A single definition of the Western adaptation of mindfulness meditation has yet to emerge. However, the pioneer of this Western practice, Jon Kabat-Zinn defined mindfulness meditation as "paying attention in a particular way on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally."

In other words, the mindfulness aspect implies that during practice a person attempts to be present and aware of the now. The meditation aspect implies that the person also attempts to release any judgment regarding the internal and external occurrences of that present moment, thereby achieving a more profound state of relaxation and awareness.

Many individuals have found that mindfulness meditation is a tool with a broad variety of potential uses. Several variations of mindfulness practice have developed through out the United States. For example, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is popular in many cities. Mindfulness-based stress reduction is often initially taught in the group setting so that the individual may then have the skills and experience to reduce their stress response, and their perception of stress, on their own time and in their preferred way.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is also becoming an increasingly popular tool among psychotherapist and patients. Mindfulness CDs, books and DVDs abound. Mindfulness walking, mindfulness sitting, mindfulness daily living, the simple practice of Westernized mindfulness meditation is quickly becoming one of the most widely accepted of all mind-body practices.

Source: Epel E. et al. Can Meditation Slow Rate of Cellular Aging? Cognitive Stress, Mindfulness, and Telomeres. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1172: 34-53 (2009).