Mindfulness is the process of bringing one’s attention to present experience on a moment-by-moment basis. Paying attention is not the same thing as thinking, although we often equate the two. With mindful attention, we can directly perceive an experience without the filter of biases and judgments that often accompany our thoughts about an experience.
There is growing scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of mindfulness training. Clinical studies have shown that mindfulness training can improve a variety of physical and psychological conditions and reduce stress. In addition, recent studies with healthy individuals have demonstrated how mindfulness training can improve attention, boost mental processing efficiency, increase immune functioning, and produce brain changes thought to support effective handling of emotions under stress. Other studies have documented how mindfulness training can reduce negative mood and improve positive mood, life satisfaction, and a sense of well-being.
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