Dispositional Mindfulness: Noticing What You Notice

“Only this moment is life.” – Thich Nhat Hanh Many forms therapy and spiritual practice speak of mindfulness. Dispositional mindfulness (sometimes known as trait mindfulness) is a type of consciousness that has only recently been given serious research considerations. It is defined as a keen awareness and attention to our thoughts and feelings in the present moment, and the research shows that the ability to engage in this prime intention has many physical, psychological, and cognitive benefits. Mindfulness meditation is different. It has taken the Buddhist practice of mindfulness and introduced it to the western world as a form of preparing and training. Those who practice mindfulness meditation are often encouraged to have a “sitting practice,” where they have set aside time to meditate. In the West, this practice is considered a means to an end. We will be calmer, have lower blood pressure, better relationships, and less stress if we use this practice. While all this is true, the mindfulness aspect of this practice — the essence of this style of meditation was not designed as a means to an end — it was designed to be a way of conscious living. Mindfulness, when viewed in this way, becomes a quality in our life — a trait, not a state we enter into during practice. Don’t get me wrong — mindfulness meditation and the wide variety of training programs and opportunities are all valuable exercises. But the original intention of mi...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Mindfulness Proof Positive Dispositional Mindfulness nonjudgment Present Moment Relaxation Source Type: blogs