Mindfulness

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how mindfulness is a central Buddhist concept and practice, especially in the Theravadan school and how it can be used to monitor destructive thought habits, which lead to destructive behaviors. In particular, the paper looks at how cognitive scientists and therapists have naturally incorporated mindfulness into their research and practice and how one of the goals of weaving mindfulness into cognitive therapy is to help the client become more aware of what is known as the inner critic.

From the Paper:

"The goal of mindfulness is not so much to destroy the inner critic as it is to make it vanish on its own accord. By simply accepting its illusory nature, the individual can learn how to act in spite of the inner critic. Observing the inner critic is the goal of mindfulness. Using mindfulness, a person can learn to discern the voice of the inner critic and distinguish that voice from reality. Once the individual can see how the inner critic works, when it is most vocal, and how to ignore it, self-destructive behaviors are likely to change naturally and without the use of pharmaceutical interventions or lengthy therapy sessions. Mindfulness is a personal practice and requires a great degree of self-discipline, which is why the technique is not suitable for all clients. Only those who are willing to meditate and to assume responsibility for their own role in their problems would benefit from the practice. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carey, B. (2008). Mindfulness meditation: lotus therapy. International Herald Tribune. May 27, 2008. Retrieved Aug 5, 2008 from http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/27/healthscience/27budd.php
• Elliot, J.E. (1993). Using Releasing Statements to Challenge Shoulds. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, Volume 7, Number 4, 1993 , pp. 291-295(5)
• Elliot, K.J. (1999). The Inner Critic as a key element in working with adults who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic. Retrieved Aug 5, 2008 from http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=1773747
• Teasdale, J.D., Williams, J.M.G., Soulsby, J.M., Segal, Z.V., Ridgeway, V.A., & Lau, M.A. (2000). Prevention of relapse/recurrence of major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 68(4): 615-623.

More papers on Mindfulness:

• Term Paper # 125123 : "Mind and Consciousness"
• Book Review # 16951 : "Overview and Analysis of "Kinds of Minds"
• Term Paper # 136870 : "Habits of the Mind and English Literature"

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