The mindfulness movement refers to the collective trend towards the worldwide adoption and integration of mindfulness practices in diverse sectors of society, including healthcare, education, the workplace, and personal development. Mindfulness is a form of mental discipline that involves sustained present-moment attention, non-judgmental self-observation and reflective awareness. Originating from ancient meditation practices – particularly those found in Buddhism – mindfulness became secularized and popularized in the West during the late 20th century.
Mindfulness practice involves paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they truly are, without trying to change or judge them. This allows individuals to become more aware of their mental and emotional patterns, which, in turn, provides increased clarity, calm, and insight into their behaviors and habits. The rise of the movement has been predominantly due to research demonstrating its proven benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as its ability to increase overall well-being, emotional regulation, and concentration. Moreover, it has been facilitated by the development of structured programs, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindfulness-Based Pain Management (MBPM), and others, which have been extensively research.