Mindfulness Meditation

On occasion I will comment on topics which are specifically unrelated to music and pop culture.

In today's New York Times there is an article about the Buddhist practice of mindfulness meditation used by therapists and psychologists to treat their patients mental ailments. Some have seen success with this practice while others have not. Most believe further study of the practice will illuminates its effects.

In my opinion, a scientific analysis of this practice is the anti-thesis of mindfulness meditation. Once enough studies have been done to create a "summary" of the experience one creates expectations for the practitioner. While practicing mindfulness meditation one observes without responding. If you expect certain things to happen one will react to those expectations whether they are fulfilled or not. Expectations create responses that may lead to heightened positive or negative emotions in the practitioner. Instead of studying the practice in other people the scientific community should practice it themselves and see for themselves what happens. This is the best insight they can provide themselves about mindfulness meditation

It is important to note, that mindfulness meditation should not be practiced lightly because of what can happen to someone when you give them the opportunity to sit and observe their mind and body. However, while meditating if one is able to observe their heightened and destructive emotions objectively and begin to control how they respond to them you have given them a powerful tool that nothing else can replicate. One has used the experience of observing one's own body and mind. There is nothing more real.

For more information about one form of mindfulness meditation I recommend this site.

-johnson!