Test 1 Flashcards
What is the history of mindfulness?
mindfulness was practiced for thousands of years by religions like hinduism and buddhism, but was more recently popularized in the west non-secularly
What is the noble eightfold path?
Right: view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, concentration, mindfulness
What is the word used in class for right mindfulness on the noble eightfold path?
sati (presence)
Who is the father of secular mindfulness?
Jon Kabat-Zinn
state
A particular condition someone is in at a certain time
trait
a distinguishing quality or characteristic, typically belonging to a person
Practice (intentionality)
the formal practice of mindfulness uses different postures and activities
What does the formal practice of mindfulness lead to?
more moments of mindfulness, which leads to an overall elevated trait-level mindfulness
elevated trait level mindfulness
we are more mindful even when not trying to be
Mindfulness (in class definition)
A particular way of paying attention; the faculty of purposefully bringing awareness to ones experience
Mindfulness (Kabat-Zinn definition)
The awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment
what are some examples of experiences we can apply mindfulness to?
sensations in the body, emotional experience, thoughts, sights or sounds
The _____ of the intention for mindfulness is more important than the object of attention
quality
What are the qualities that separate mindfulness from attentiveness?
intentionality to be attentive, openness to be present and honest with what is happening in the moment, observing what is happening rather than trying to control the experience
What is mindfulness ultimately about?
our well-being and the well-being of those around us, and the planet that supports our life
What are the 2 main points when picturing mindfulness that work together to create positive effects?
present-time awareness and equanimity
Is mindfulness practiced to get rid of thoughts? If not, what is it for?
No! it is to cultivate an important insight
What are thoughts in terms of mindfulness? what are they not?
They are simply mental events, not facts
what 2 forms do thoughts arise in?
Mental talk (inner dialogue) and mental images
What is the mind wandering referred to as?
stimulus independent thought that takes the attention of the task at hand
what are 3 reasons the mind may wander?
ability to simulate the future/help us plan, creative solutions sometimes come about, addresses boredom
What are 2 negative consequences of the mind wandering?
decreases performance on tasks (possibly even intelligence more broadly), and associated with negative emotions