Mindfulness teaches the brain to pay attention, to be in the moment, and to be f
ID: 3443425 • Letter: M
Question
Mindfulness teaches the brain to pay attention, to be in the moment, and to be free of judgment. Considering the input of Fletcher and Hayes, how does acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) use mindfulness? Why is this significant? What are some of the benefits of mindfulness? How might the notion of mindfulness be applied to your dissertation research?
Fletcher, L., & Hayes, S. C. (2005). Relational frame theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, and a functional analytic definition of mindfulness. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 23(4), 315-336.http://search.proquest.com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/docview/220285321/7090CB8F6AFC4BA9PQ/4?accountid=7374
Explanation / Answer
Mindfulness from the point of view of the effects of language and cognition on human actions on day to day basis. Relational Frame Theory is described to show how human suffering is created by entanglement with the cognitive networks which made possible by language. Mindfulness can be understood as a collection of related processes that function to undermine the dominance of verbal networks, especially involving temporal and evaluative relations. These processes include acceptance of a situation, defusion, contact with the present moment, and the transcendent sense of ownself. Each of these components of mindfulness are targeted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and there is some evidence that they underlie the therapeutic changes induced by this approach discussed here. The relation between the present approach to mindfulness and other approaches is discussed.
As understood from the inputs of Fletcher & hayes(2005), the actions got improved alongwith the mindfulness skills. It increases the narrative states of mind directly and indirectly in some way or other in such a way that it might be expected to generate increased awareness of both cognitive and affective states. Previous researches has indicated that nonemotional narrative disclosure, in which participants are instructed to write detailed descriptions of their daily lives, may also increase mindfulness. However, changes in the linguistic characteristics or composition of narratives that may correlate with shifts mindfulness are as yet unknown. For both theoretical and applied reasons, it would be helpful to understand if and how the language people use to describe personal experiences significantly relates to mindfulness and changes in mindfulness.
The Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS, 2004) is a 39-item self-report inventory. It measures four proficiencies related to mindfulness, corresponding to distinct subscales. The Accept without Judgment subscale (9 items) which measures one,s tendency to apply nonjudgemental acceptance to present moment experiences e.g. “I criticize myself for having irrational or inappropriate emotions” .The Act with Awareness subscale (10 items) which corresponds to the focusing of one,s attention on present activity e.g. “I get completely absorbed in what I’m doing, so that all my attention is focused on it, the Observe subscale (12 items) which measures tendencies to observe internal and external stimuli e.g. “I pay attention to sensations such as the wind in my hair or sun on my face and the Describe subscale (8 items) which refers to describing or labeling observed phenomena e.g. “My natural tendency is to put my experiences into words. Respondents endorse statements on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (never or very rarely true) to 5 (always true).
Mindfulness is a type of menatl exercise which helps in controlling stress levels . It enhance mental health and emotional quotient and self control of the persons in childrens, adults etc. Minimum 10 miniutes is recommended to practice this exercise in the starting which could gradually increase upto 30 minutes of time .