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Compassionate unschooling after unloving school. A journey to the heart of a schooled mind.

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Compassionate unschooling after unloving school. A journey to the heart of a schooled mind.

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Prologue: What did I do when my child couldn't go to school? Did I yield to my conditioning? Yes I did. Did I fight back? Yes I did. Did I do something different? In the end... yes I did.  I listened to my children and to myself.

Endeavour: This is the story of learning to unschool myself. Unschooling is a philosophy, within home education, that steps away from following a curriculum or a timetable. It steps towards facilitating learning based on each child’s individual interests and needs. It encourages following the rabbit holes and seeing where they go. There is a sense of travelling together rather than watching from afar. Often the co-traveler (the parent) has the more arduous journey in disentangling themselves from a schooled mindset.

I felt lost. I chose to use mindfulness, self-compassion and insight meditation practices over a focused three-month period of time to help me find my way.

Discovery:  I learnt that awakening from my conditioned patterns about school was frightening and sometimes traumatic. There was a huge paradigm shift. I felt deep loneliness and lack of belonging. Sitting with painful thoughts feelings and emotions was possible with self-compassion. I needed my own co-travellers to help me understand unschooling. I needed to coregulate with others to emerge from dysregulation. I needed to feel like I belonged somewhere in the world with people who understood. I also needed help to work with traumatic experience and how that was held in my body. This came from visualising my nervous system via polyvagal theory and learning to apply it to feelings of shame and fear.

Key words: unschooling, home education, mindfulness, self-compassion, insight, meditation

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Soundfield Meditation: An Auto-ethnographic Exploration into the Psychoacoustics Effects of Sound Meditation &  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder  

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Soundfield Meditation: An Auto-ethnographic Exploration into the Psychoacoustics Effects of Sound Meditation &  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder  

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Abstract

NICE 2018 guidelines suggest that for adults with ADHD who opt not to take medication, struggle with treatment adherence, or find psychostimulants ineffective or intolerable, non-pharmacological treatments are recommended. Non-pharmacological interventions include a wide range of multidisciplinary approaches, including mindfulness and meditation, which have been demonstrated to enhance attention and emotional regulation for individuals with ADHD.

Encouraging findings have been obtained from investigations into the effectiveness of background white noise in enhancing attention and working memory for individuals with ADHD. Consequently, following personal insights, it appeared reasonable to explore the application of this technique in aiding adults with ADHD to support meditation practice, intending to enhance its effectiveness as a mindfulness-based intervention.

This auto-ethnographic study explored the addition of white noise, nature sounds, and periods of silence during focused attention meditation and Mindfulness practice using a calibrated six-channel audio sound field.

To the best of my knowledge, no previous peer-reviewed studies have established a relationship between sound as a supplement to meditation for individuals with ADHD.

Findings from this study suggest that “Soundfield Meditation," compared to silence, could be an alternative technique to enhance engagement and participation for individuals with ADHD. These results also support a correlation between the psychoacoustic properties of Soundfield Meditation, the Moderate Brain Arousal model, and stochastic resonance theory.

Keywords: ADHD, Mindfulness, Moderate Brain Arousal, Neurophenomenology, Psychoacoustics, Soundfield Meditation,  Stochastic Resonance.

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Denise Casagrande                                       Naturally Mindful: a journey into informal practice as a way of life and its repercussions on well-being          Abstract                                                       The aim of the present study is to emphasize the significance of informal mindfulness practices, which are often given less importance and attention in most MBI programs. Through my experience with this practice, I have gained invaluable knowledge and skills that have empowered me to overcome even the most challenging. The main concept is to reflect on how awareness can be integrated as a lifestyle and become an important part of the perception of the lived experience and in doing so, what would be the impacts on well-being.This is an autoethnographic study with a phenomenological approach, structured utilizing the Hero's Journey as a guideline for telling the story in an engaging and involving so it can lead the reader to follow the journey and feel inspired by it. Thereby, relating with the insights and perspectives that resonate with their own experience. A collection of diaries and memories documented over time will be used to create a narrative. To make the text accessible to a wide audience, it is used a more simple and poetic language. The conclusions indicate a great transformation occurred throughout a long journey that had as an ally, a simple tool of inestimable value. With the passage of time, the informal practice became integrated with perceived reality and started to happen spontaneously, positively impacting the feeling of well-being, even when external circumstances are unfavorable, and one has to slay dragons.                                                      Key words: mindfulness; informal practice; wellbeing; hero’s journey; awareness

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Denise Casagrande                                       Naturally Mindful: a journey into informal practice as a way of life and its repercussions on well-being          Abstract                                                       The aim of the present study is to emphasize the significance of informal mindfulness practices, which are often given less importance and attention in most MBI programs. Through my experience with this practice, I have gained invaluable knowledge and skills that have empowered me to overcome even the most challenging. The main concept is to reflect on how awareness can be integrated as a lifestyle and become an important part of the perception of the lived experience and in doing so, what would be the impacts on well-being.This is an autoethnographic study with a phenomenological approach, structured utilizing the Hero's Journey as a guideline for telling the story in an engaging and involving so it can lead the reader to follow the journey and feel inspired by it. Thereby, relating with the insights and perspectives that resonate with their own experience. A collection of diaries and memories documented over time will be used to create a narrative. To make the text accessible to a wide audience, it is used a more simple and poetic language. The conclusions indicate a great transformation occurred throughout a long journey that had as an ally, a simple tool of inestimable value. With the passage of time, the informal practice became integrated with perceived reality and started to happen spontaneously, positively impacting the feeling of well-being, even when external circumstances are unfavorable, and one has to slay dragons.                                                      Key words: mindfulness; informal practice; wellbeing; hero’s journey; awareness

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Can visuality/image be utilised as a support for Mindfulness practice.

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Can visuality/image be utilised as a support for Mindfulness practice.

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Lisa Hellier's abstract:

Visual practice is utilised as a vehicle for meditative practice and personal realisation in many Buddhist traditions. Both object-focused and inner-visualisation practices are utilised.

Secularisation of mindfulness has retained visualisation practices however outer-visual practices were lost in the clinical secularisation process. In an analysis of 6 secular Mindfulness-based Interventions, visual-object practice is shown to be absent.

This study explores the potential of visuality practices, based on research into the psychological mechanisms underpinning Mahayana Buddhist visual practice which include frequent use of symbol and metaphor in various forms.

In Western consumerist society, we are continually exposed to advertising and imagery, which is known to register subliminally in the unconscious before reaching cognitive awareness. This causes emotional processing to be bypassed which makes populations vulnerable to psychological manipulation and depression. Hypermodern culture is dependent on imagery and screen based digital media. Imagery has the power to influence our decision making, behaviours, and our sense of self, while addiction to social media has been implicated in the deterioration of mental health.

The study explores the potential of visual mindfulness to cultivate visual intelligence, mental and emotional resilience and personal agency through a range of Mahayana-derived visual mindfulness practices. Furthermore, the utilisation of visuality in an expressive form is demonstrated as having potential as a medium through which we can access a place of inner sanctuary, wellbeing and wisdom.

This hermeneutic phenomenological study describes the lived experience of a graphic designer undertaking intensive secular mindfulness training through a series of 6 autoethnographical vignettes exploring a range of visual modalities. The changing relationship to visual experience and its relation to personal insight and transformation is explored though a variety of media.

Integration of visual mindfulness praxis into secular mindfulness training is recommended. Further research is required.

Keywords: Mindfulness, visual intelligence, contemplative practice, phenomenology, visual culture.

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Jacqueline's Abstract

Doing No Harm in Widening the Window. A Systematic Review of the efficacy of MBIs for PTSD examining what works, why, and what might need to be changed.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a global health issue. It is a devastating disorder, characterised by profound mental, physical, and functional impairment. Largely due to its prevalence in military veterans, a significant amount of research has been devoted to treating the disorder. Conventional treatment approaches are only somewhat efficacious and there remains high attrition and non-response rates, possibly due to adverse effects. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the use of mindfulness-based approaches to help improve outcomes as adjunctive treatments.

The aim of this Systematic Review was to examine the efficacy of 8 week Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) for individuals with PTSD. A number of secondary objectives were also explored; (1) to determine if there was any evidence of any direct causative links between the facets of mindfulness and changes in PTSD symptom clusters, (2) to determine if there was evidence of the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms involved, and (3) given the extent of nervous system impairment in those with PTSD, to establish if there was evidence of the need to adapt MBIs specifically for this population.

Findings from quantitative data indicated mostly small to moderate effect sizes for MBIs when compared with control conditions. However, findings are to be interpreted with caution due to limitations. Empirical evidence directly linking facets of mindfulness to reductions in PTSD symptom clusters was weak. Findings from the few studies that examined neural mechanisms showed promise, especially around interoceptive function. MBIs were generally well tolerated by participants but high dropout rates and findings from qualitative data suggest the need for tailored MBIs for some cohorts of this population.

In sum, empirical evidence on the exact influence of the facets of mindfulness on changes in PTSD symptoms is lacking and determining these mechanistic pathways is key in future research. Consideration should be given to the need for MBIs to incorporate modifications which target the specific vulnerabilities of those with PTSD, namely increasing safety by prioritising the stabilisation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) first, containing the window of tolerance prior to widening it.

Keywords: Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), embodiment, avoidance, inner experience.

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Mindfulness and Shiatsu: a phenomenological exploration into European Shiatsu practitioners’  experience of practise.

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Mindfulness and Shiatsu: a phenomenological exploration into European Shiatsu practitioners’  experience of practise.

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Lucy Trend Abstract V2.1.3.2342:
296 words

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese acupressure, a therapeutic modality which stems from traditional oriental medicine (OM).

Several links are apparent between Shiatsu and Mindfulness. Firstly, they share common foundational principles and mechanisms which stem from the underpinning wisdom and traditions of their roots in Buddhist culture. Secondly, both traditions have been through the process of migrating from east to west in a bi-directional manner with resultant secularisation. And thirdly, crossovers between the two modalities are indicated in emerging scientific evidence, particularly of neuroscience.

This qualitative research paper explores how Shiatsu works from an ethnographic perspective. Recognising the limited evidence for Shiatsu, the research was designed in relationship with Mindfulness, because a robust and respected body of Mindfulness research already exists, which may support our understanding of Shiatsu. Thus, researching Shiatsu in relationship to the collateral tenets of Mindfulness opens to the potential to strengthen the evidence base of Shiatsu.

Interviews were conducted with 4 European Shiatsu practitioners to investigate any commonalities with Mindfulness. Interviewees were questioned about intention, perception, and experience in Shiatsu practise in relation to the interdependent interoceptive experience of the practitioner and receiver.

An interpretive phenomenological analysis of the interviews exposed the principles and mechanisms of Mindfulness that are both implicitly and explicitly shared with Shiatsu theory and practice. Indeed, it was explicitly indicated that Mindfulness is in itself one of the mechanisms of Shiatsu.

The inference is that the evidence base for Mindfulness can enhance the evidence base for Shiatsu. This then offers the potential to increase the perceived value of Shiatsu within the broader context of Western healthcare.

In conclusion, further research is needed to deepen our understanding of how we can causatively evidence the phenomena revealed in the research.

Key words: Phenomenological research, evidence for Shiatsu, tenets of Mindfulness.

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My road to acceptance: an autoethnographic exploration of my chronic pain journey

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a major worldwide issue, with many expected to experience some form of pain in their lifetime.  The standard treatment approach is to prescribe medication and physical therapy.  However, the literature highlights the importance of addressing contributory factors such as stress and social isolation.  Alternative treatments, such as mind-body therapies, are rarely used.

In this study, the researcher used autoethnography to explore her experience with CLBP.  This involved the role of contributory factors before her condition, and the MSc programme, and the impact of ACT-mindful-qigong, an intervention created for this study, combining mindfulness and qigong with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

The researcher found several contributory factors, including COVID-19 and the resulting social isolation and low physical activity, likely contributed to her condition.  The training gained from the MSc proved invaluable throughout their pain journey and for the intervention. The ACT-mindful-qigong intervention indicated positive results as a holistic offering; individually, there were support gaps.  Mindful-qigong brought energy, flexibility, and calmness but didn’t unpick negative thoughts.  ACT unpicked the thoughts but created an unsettled and tense feeling.

Overall, the researcher found the combined approach of ACT-mindful-qigong allowed them to move forward and begin to accept the role of pain in their life.

Keywords: chronic low back pain, ACT, mindfulness, qigong

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A Mixed Method exploration of the perceived experience of Work-related Stress and compassion and their relationship in a public Sector Workplace

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The Value of Fostering Relationship in Times of Stress in a Public Sector Workplace

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The Value of Fostering Relationship in Times of Stress in a Public Sector Workplace

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Lisa Bolger Hynes - V1 (267 words)

Abstract

Work-related stress (WRS) has been found to be a serious issue in the public sector in Ireland and work-loads are on the increase. Having support and some control over one’s work has been found to buffer the impact of WRS. Support stemming from the innate human ability of compassion has been found to not only buffer WRS but, is good for wellbeing.

This study explores through a mixed method explanatory design the experience of WRS and compassion in a public sector workplace. The qualitative interviews held with managers and employees enrich and support the quantitative data. Examining the relationship between compassion and WRS to understand and consider ways to foster more compassion in order to buffer against WRS.

The study found WRS to be a significant issue. The biggest sources of stress related to role ambiguity, work-load and lack of support from colleagues and managers. Whilst compassion was evident from the findings and the importance of relationship expressed by both managers and staff. There’s currently disconnection evident between people as well as internal blocks to compassion within people. Resulting in the organisation's compassionate capability not being fully realised.

This study cohoberates that support needs to match the level of demands to buffer stress effectively and people need to be open to that support. The fostering of supportive, kind and compassionate relationships throughout the entire organisation emerged as a way to enable individual and organisational compassionate growth. In order to buffer WRS in a landscape of increasing work-load. All being driven by compassionate leadership.

Keywords:  Buffer, Compassion, Compassionate Leadership, Organisational Compassion, Public Sector, Relationship, Support, Work-Related Stress

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Lou’s ABSTRACT | Developing mindful self-compassion coaching for male business leaders: a pilot model and qualitative analysis. 

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Lou’s ABSTRACT | Developing mindful self-compassion coaching for male business leaders: a pilot model and qualitative analysis. 

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Background: This study aims to bridge self-compassionate research by designing and grounding key mindful self-compassion concepts into business coaching practice.

Businesses have changed rapidly because of the pandemic, subsequently awareness has grown around the benefits of compassion. Pilot Mindful Self-compassion (MSC) coaching sessions have been designed to support male business leaders in developing self-compassion to support their resilience and wellbeing/wellness.

Method: This qualitative study explores the lived experience of two male business leaders who undertook the monthly mindful self-compassion leadership coaching sessions over a four-month period. The reflective feedback statements and final semi-structured qualitative interviews bring to life the leaders experiences both professionally and personally. Participants were leaders in SMEs in culture heritage and educational consultancy sectors.

Results/findings: Emerging themes include self-care, self-critic, awareness of own needs, health issues due to work stress and lack of time off, boundaries, being worthy of self-compassion. Communication challenges of multi-channels business communications and hybrid working and keeping present with self and other in task-focus culture.Improved self-awareness of behaviours at work and home. Leader’s ability to quicky grasp theconcept of Mindful self-compassion and elements; mindfulness, common humanity and self-kindness as well as Fierce and Tender compassion.

Conclusions/Implications: More sessions: 4-5 sessions for 1.5 hrs- period required for sessions every 2-4 weeks.

Are the results sustainable?

Information overload within three sessions.

Key Words

Mindful Self-compassion; business leadership coaching; SME coaching; wellness; resilience.

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Theorizing that the mindfulness mechanism of reperceiving will support a leader engaged in an adaptive challenge such as climate change

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Theorizing that the mindfulness mechanism of reperceiving will support a leader engaged in an adaptive challenge such as climate change

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Abstract:

This paper explores how the proposed mindfulness mechanism of reperceiving may support a leader’s ability to survive and thrive when leading an adaptive challenge such as climate change.  Reperceiving may be an overarching mechanism of mindfulness leading to different positive outcomes and change.  Theoretically, adaptive change happens within a Complex Adaptive System (CAS).  Working in a CAS leadership role is intellectually challenging and emotionally and physically demanding.  Also, an adaptive leader may create discord by placing engaged individuals in an uncomfortable disequilibrium to generate required adaption, and the CAS may challenge engaged leaders’ and individuals' core beliefs, competencies and relationships.  Researchers have considered the potential benefit of mindfulness for leaders by primarily evaluating the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) that have been designed for leaders.  However, the potential benefits of the overarching mechanism reperceiving on leaders has not been considered.  The author theorizes possible synergistic connections and resulting positive effects of mindfulness reperceiving and Adaptive Leadership.  The author investigates the potential connection and positive effects using a narrative literature review and a theoretical reflection.  This research implies that existing MBIs that include the interwoven aspects that generate reperceiving could support an Adaptive Leader without creating specialized MBIs.  This research implies that an Adaptive Leader has a wide variety of MBIs to choose from, all of which could produce positive outcomes and change.

Keywords:

Mindfulness; Reperceiving; Adaptive Leadership; Complex Adaptive Systems

Word count 233  JD

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Lorna's ABSTRACT | Organisational compassion in the cost of living crisis: exploring the experiences of employees in the UK

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Lorna's ABSTRACT | Organisational compassion in the cost of living crisis: exploring the experiences of employees in the UK

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Background: Three years from the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, workers in the United Kingdom are in the midst of a cost of living crisis, with rapidly rising household costs. What do employees expect from their employing organisations in terms of responding with compassion, and how are their organisations measuring up?
Method: Through semi-structured qualitative interviews, this study explores the ways in which three employees have experienced organisational compassion during the cost of living crisis. The participants belong to different organisations across the education, financial services and software sectors.
Results: Emerging themes in the research point towards the adequacy of pay and other benefits, quality of communication and support, recognition around work pressures, flexibility for personal circumstances, and quality of relationships at work as key experiences within a compassionate response.
Conclusion: Early conclusions emphasise the importance of the immediate line manager as an enabler or blocker of compassion on a day to day level, with implications for policy makers to consider the ease with which policy decisions and culture combine to mobilise managers and teams to respond with compassion. Both senior leadership and HR practitioners have a crucial role in establishing effective listening and collaborative systems that recognise the needs of their employees and allow for people connection and co-creation of the response strategy for times of crisis.

Keywords: compassionate leadership; cost of living crisis; crisis response; employees: organisations; organisational compassion; UK

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The hill at mile 25: A phenomenology of self-compassion amongst social workers. Martin 

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The hill at mile 25: A phenomenology of self-compassion amongst social workers. Martin 

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Background

Stress in workers has long been acknowledged as a significant issue, that leads to a range of issues, including in relation to wellbeing, recruitment and retention. Whilst increasing attention has been paid to self-care recently, the same cannot currently be said of self-compassion.

Problem

It is suggested that increasing self-compassion amongst social workers may be one way to address the issue of stress. However, currently there is very little qualitative evidence of the lived experience of self-compassion amongst social workers and students.

Methodology

A phenomenological approach using the lifeworld approach of Karin Dahlberg was undertaken, using a blend of photo-elicitation and individual interviews. Three final year social work students and three newly qualified social workers were interviewed.

Findings

Self-care can begin with the self-talk of the individual. Beyond this individual aspect, it was found that engagement in rituals and an enhanced sense of place were found to be of significance. Importantly, the awareness and maintenance of boundaries was found to be a factor that represented both a significant challenge and opportunity that social workers faced.

Implications

Self-compassion, particularly tough-self- an aspect of social workers’ identity that can be nurtured and developed and may provide a protective factor against workplace stress. It warrants increased attention as part of the social work curriculum and the supervisory process.

Keywords: Self- care, self-compassion, social work, social work education

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Processing emotional heartache towards climate change – is it a way to engage in a healthy response?

Despite overwhelming evidence that our actions are causing a rapid warming of the planet, we are doing  little to address the issue of climate change. A lack of knowledge or technology does not appear to be the explanation. Instead it appears to be a reluctance to devote sustained attention to the problem, as it is considered a threat to wellbeing.

There is little evidence as to whether mindfulness and compassion practice, alongside another emotional methodology called The Work that Reconnects, could allow society to go towards the issue in a healthy way and hence promote an appropriate response.

This qualitative hermeneutic study worked with a group of climate activists as a proxy for wider society, when more people choose to or are forced to pay sustained attention to climate change.

This study showed some positive results that these practices might promote a healthier attitude towards difficult thoughts and enable an appropriate response that will engage those currently inactive. However it is difficult to know whether a relatively short term intervention will sustain these results over time.

Climate change appears to be largely a psychological issue. Much more attention needs to be paid as to how we support people emotionally with dealing with this – it is striking how little research there is compared to the swathes of scientific studies calibrating the progression and extent of temperature rise.

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Nature’s Healing Hand: An Autoethnographic Exploration of the Effects of Nature-Based Mindfulness on Well-Being and Pro-Environmental Behaviours

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Nature’s Healing Hand: An Autoethnographic Exploration of the Effects of Nature-Based Mindfulness on Well-Being and Pro-Environmental Behaviours

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Abstract

Disconnection to the natural world has been linked to suboptimal levels of health in humans and is thought to accelerate the climate crisis and environmental issues. Research indicates that mindfulness supports well-being and can encourage pro-environmental behaviours, and when practiced outdoors with Nature, its benefits are amplified. Nature-based mindfulness is increasingly being utilised to cultivate a reciprocal relationship with the natural world that promotes both flourishing of individuals and the environment. However, studies to date are limited to short-term interventions with many focusing on less than 8-week programmes. This autoethnographic exploration provides a chronological, personal narrative account focusing on the integration of mindfulness practice within Nature. Findings suggest Nature-based mindfulness can restore and enhance attentional awareness and enables a widening of perspective during difficult times. Furthermore, it increases capacities for empathy and compassion which foster pro-environmental behaviour. Overall, it provides one path to promote healing and well-being of individuals and the natural world. Future studies would benefit from active controls to better understand the mechanisms through which Nature can support healing and well-being.

Keywords: mindfulness, nature-based mindfulness, autoethnography, well-being, pro-environmental behaviour
Louise

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Mindfulness at work – a healthy dose

Can wellbeing at work be alleviated in just a few minutes? Workplace mindfulness programmes are increasing in popularity, with benefits of mindfulness in the workplace, including stress reduction and improved decision-making discussed extensively. Standard eight-week courses may not be feasible or desirable however in busy, stressful working environments.

The aim of this study was to establish how a three-minute, breath-based practice affected wellbeing at work for people who may consider themselves too busy to undertake a longer programme.

An interpretative phenomenological approach was utilised, to elicit whether the short practice was beneficial to wellbeing, and if they found the practice difficult to include, to identify any barriers. 19 self-reported busy participants were given a video and audio guide to the practice, with weekly surveys. Interviews were conducted with five participants, and the qualitative data triangulated with survey information to establish themes and understand individual lived experiences.

The study adds to current knowledge about the benefits of mindfulness practices in the workplace, with the small cohort experiencing improved wellbeing, despite a range of hindrances, including workplace or family demands and forgetfulness. Whilst previous studies have shown that mindfulness benefits can be dose-dependent, it is clear from this research, that even in a busy workplace, a short mindful meditation can help improve wellbeing.

Keywords: mindfulness, wellbeing, workplace mindfulness, workplace stress, breathing techniques, short mindfulness programmes

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Living Well While Dying: A Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) for managing end-of-life Anxiety. 

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Living Well While Dying: A Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) for managing end-of-life Anxiety. 

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ABSTRACT

Background: With better health care comes improved life expectancy, which has resulted in mortality becoming a taboo subject, leading to death anxiety. Palliative patients risk experiencing psychological and physiological distress. Treatments typically include medication that can cause onerous side effects. Complex symptomology can obstruct living well while dying. Mindfulness is emerging in palliative care as a non-pharmacological approach to managing symptoms. Education provides an opportunity for open dialogue around death and anxiety alleviation. Yet, there is no research on formalised death education programmes for palliative patients.

Research: This integrative review aimed to synthesise the literature on the key considerations when designing an MBI to manage end-of-life anxiety. A multi-database search resulted in the critical appraisal of twenty-two papers that were a mix of theoretical and empirical literature.

Findings: Anxiety around death and dying may always persist. However, a combination of contemplative practices with formalised death education, including teaching how to manage palliative symptoms non-pharmacologically, may assist in promoting acceptance, resilience and ultimately, the ability to live well dying.
Implications: The findings have contributed to creating a palliative care-specific MBI that addresses the gap in death education, including teaching from multidisciplinary health professionals on managing non-pharmacological symptoms combined with adapted mindfulness and compassion practices.

Keywords: Palliative Care, Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI), Death education, Death Anxiety, End of Life Anxiety.

Lindsey Lister

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Can Visual/Image be used as a support for mindfulness practice?

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Can Visual/Image be used as a support for mindfulness practice?

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ABSTRACT

Hypermodern culture is dependent on imagery and screen based digital media. Imagery could be described as a  visual language, a way of knowing. Imagery is shown to register subliminally in the unconscious before reaching cognitive awareness.

We are continually exposed to imagery at speeds so fast we are unable to process the emotional content on a cognitive level making us vulnerable to psychological manipulation. It has been shown that imagery has the power to subconsciously influence our decision making, behaviours, and our sense of self, while addiction to social media has been implicated in the deterioration of mental health. Our ignorance and acquiescence perpetuates this pernicious cultural dynamic which erodes personal agency and has further detrimental implications for wider society.

Visual practice is an integral part of many Buddhist traditions and yet have largely been exluded from secular mindfulness training. The potential of visual mindfulness practice within a mindfulness training context is explored as a way to cultivate visual intelligence and therefore mental and emotional resilience and personal agency.  Furthermore, utilizing visual imagery as a mindfulness practice is demonstrated as having potential as a medium through which we can access a place of inner refuge and transformation.

This autoethnographic hermeneutic phenomenological study explores the journey of a graphic designer undertaking intensive mindfulness training where the changing relationship to visual experience and its relation to personal transformation is explored.

Keywords: Mindfulness, visual intelligence, contemplative practice, phenomenology, visual culture, metaphor.

LISA HELLIER

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AIM

Through mindfulness, we train our minds to wander less and stay present more. We also learn to notice when we're caught up in unhelpful thoughts and 'unhook' from them so that they don't drag us down into negativity, stress, or difficulty.

Research Question: For experienced mindfulness practitioners, can regular mindfulness practice in daily life reduce the frequency and identification with negative thoughts?

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven mindfulness practitioners to explore the subjective experiences of using mindfulness to manage negative thinking. Interviews were analysed employing thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants described relief from negative thinking, an increased sense of personal agency as well as increased self-compassion. The attentional control that is developed through mindfulness practise helps participants deal with the negative thoughts more quickly.

CONCLUSION

Mindfulness helped participants to train more effectively their ability to disengage from maladaptive negative thoughts, which could be reflected in a more optimistic attitude toward the future. Mindfulness is a useful tool for noticing and extracting yourself from the cycle of unhelpful thoughts.

KEYWORDS: Mindfulness, negativity, awareness, self-compassion, practice

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ABSTRACT | Evaluating The Role of Mindfulness in Sleep Outcomes for Adults Affected by Post-Traumatic Stress-Related Sleep Disturbance

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ABSTRACT | Evaluating The Role of Mindfulness in Sleep Outcomes for Adults Affected by Post-Traumatic Stress-Related Sleep Disturbance

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Objectives Sleep disruption emerges as a prominent manifestation observed among adults afflicted with symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress. It has been linked to emotional dysregulation and identified as an important biomarker for post-traumatic stress-related disorders. The objective of this enquiry is to delve into the influence of targeted formal mindfulness practices on sleep-related issues caused by post-traumatic stress-related symptoms.

Methods A single case study using mixed-method approach was employed to capture both objective and subjective experiences of the participant. Baseline measurements were conducted prior to and subsequent to the completion of the five-session program, encompassing three pivotal variables: (1) mindfulness facets, (2) sleep quality, and (3) stress levels. Established instruments such as the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), along with three customised assessment forms were used. Four formal practices were undertaken, namely, sitting meditation (settling and grounding), walking meditation, mindful movement and body scan meditation.

Results The investigation revealed that the acquisition of heightened self-awareness can be accomplished within a brief timeframe through the implementation of fundamental formal mindfulness techniques. This was evidenced by notable differences observed in attention and non-reactivity scores, contrasting the participant's baseline measurements with those obtained post-intervention.

Conclusion The investigation suggests that the changes observed in facets of mindfulness contribute to the modulation of sleep outcomes.

Key words mindfulness | sleep outcomes | post-traumatic stress | emotional regulation | adverse effects

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Abstract
This paper describes a mixed method in which we investigated how learning mindfulness and meditation techniques in nature affect Syrian refugee women's sense of wellbeing (if at all), and to what extent does learning to meditate in nature contribute to their sense of nature connectedness?

After finishing the eight-week Mindfulness-Based Living Course in Nature MBLC/N (The Botanic Garden), three participants were interviewed in semi-structured in-depth interviews (MBLC-N) and we conducted a focus group as well as answered a questionnaire before and after the intervention, while the participants journaled throughout the intervention.

Several themes were identified as well as sub-themes, representing the lived experience and meaning found in the participants' experience of mindfulness practices and meditation in nature and how this affects their sense of wellbeing.

During the interview, questioning, and focus group, a variety of feelings and ideas were experienced and expressed, which indicated that learning mindfulness techniques in nature has an overall positive effect on their feelings and sense of wellbeing and that it indicates a positive change in the lives of these participants. However, we are not sure how permanent this change is, and the study could not determine whether there would be a difference in results should the groups be of different ethnic, age, or gender groups or whether the same effect would persist after a longer period. The findings also showed that the practice led to a positive relationship with nature and that learning to meditate in nature enhanced the experience of the participants.

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To what extent can a self-compassion focused mindfulness intervention develop positive perceptions and self-efficacy in parents of adolescent children with autism?

An Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a complex neurological condition associated with a range of difficulties which may affect a child’s life as well as that of parents and caregivers.  These challenges have been most documented as stress, anxiety and depression as well as shame, guilt, self-esteem and affiliate stigma.  Access to mental health services has been severely affected by the Covid 19 pandemic, and many families face long waits for a diagnosis and Educational Health Care Plan.  To date, some research has focused on parental adaptation including mitigating and managing the negative factors often associated with parenting an autistic child.  However, the researcher has found little data that explores the benefits of cultivating positive adaptation skills.  The hypothesis was that a self-compassion based MBI would aid parents in developing higher emotional resilience and positive perceptions leading to better self-efficacy.

Methodology:  A phenomenological approach was used and a 6-week self-compassion focused MBI was conducted with 4 parents who had an adolescent child with an ASC.  The children all presented with little or no intellectual and linguistic challenges but with above average difficulties in emotional and social communication as well as behaviour.  Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews conducted pre and post intervention were evaluated.

Results:  The results indicate that self-compassion focused mindfulness can be a contributor to parental adaptation outcomes and helpful in developing positive perceptions and parental self-efficacy.

Conclusion:  The results illustrate that short-term self-compassion based MBIs may support parents in adapting and coping with parenting an autistic child.   The implications are relevant not only for families but also for local charities and schools as well as SEN and mental health services.

Key words:  autism spectrum condition, mindfulness and self-compassion, positive perceptions, adaptations, self-efficacy, parents, adolescents

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Abstract

Title: A Quranic worldview in conjunction with secular mindful mechanisms for an Islamic population; A hermeneutic qualitative scoping review.

The suitability of secular mindfulness as a psychological intervention for cultivating well-being has attracted the attention of practitioners and researchers from theistic backgrounds. The main concern is the results or implications of the philosophical basis derived from Buddhist and Hindu traditions for a monotheistic population. In response, theoretical frameworks for secular mindfulness interventions based on Sufi practice, Islamic theology, and jurisprudence have been proposed. However, it is argued these studies are limited in a comprehensive exploration of the main source of the Islamic faith, The Holy Quran. Taking a broader stance, this research aimed to highlight the universal principles of Islam concerning human development in a psychological context based on Quranic discussions of ‘self’ and ‘reality’ in contemplative practice and its function in alleviating suffering. Respecting Islamic scholarship in Quranic studies and appreciation of Western social scientific models, it combined Islamic and western paradigms to conduct a qualitative scoping review of Islamic theological discussions derived from the Qur’an. It includes literature tables that identified Quranic passages for a mindfulness context, conceptual maps of ‘self’ and ‘reality’ and thematic synthesis concerning secular mindful mechanisms with hermeneutics. It demonstrates the theological premise of the Quran for cultivating psychological well-being in subjective contexts. The preliminary study provides an overview of the potential of the research design to identify, locate and analyse the function of the Quran as a basis for secular mindfulness intervention. By highlighting the Quranic perspectives of self and reality, it provides a foundation to develop an Islamic psychological mindfulness intervention, functioning as tools for self-discovery, effective management of suffering and cultivating well-being through inner transformation.  Lastly, the proposed Quranic mindfulness context is independent of Islamic sectarian ideologies and replete with inclusive universal principles for monotheistic contexts. (Word count: 286)

Keywords: Secular mindful mechanism, Islam, Qur’an, monotheism, psychology, Quranic mindfulness intervention

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Background : Peri-menopause is the period in an adult woman’s life when their menstrual cycle begins to change, prior to menopause and the cessation of menstruation. Fluctuations in hormone levels during this stage can cause challenging physiological symptoms that last 8-12 years, and for many women have serious impacts to their work and family life, health and wellbeing. Psychological symptoms such as anxiety or depression are also a common issue, combined with complex lifestyle and cultural variables that can impact how a woman experiences menopause - attitudes to female ageing and body image for example - and women in Western cultures report more symptoms.

Research : Self-compassion within a mindfulness framework has been shown to positively impact wellbeing and reduce stress and anxiety but has rarely been targeted to peri-menopausal women. This project designed a customised, online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) with a focus on self-compassion, delivered over 6 weeks to 12 peri-menopausal women in the UK, in a non-clinical setting. The research enquired into impacts to participants using an exploratory embedded mixed methods approach. Qualitative data was gathered using Mindful Enquiry, quantitative data collected using the State-Self-Compassion scale (SSCS-L).

Results : qualitative data analysis illustrated overall positive impacts to all those who participated, backed up with quantitative data showing a statistically significant improvement in individual total State-Self-Compassion ranging between +0.7 to +1.6. More specifically, most participants experienced enhanced self-awareness and compassion, insight that facilitated changes in habitual thoughts or behaviour, and found positive benefits from connecting with other women also experiencing peri-menopause.

This research found that it is possible to improve levels of self-compassion through a targeted MBI and that many participants found great value in the shared experience, generally feeling more compassionate towards their menopausal experience and in their wider life.

Key words : Menopause, Peri-menopause, Self-Compassion, Mindful Self-Compassion, MBI

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An autoethnographic study of my mindfulness journey working in daycare.

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An autoethnographic study of my mindfulness journey working in daycare.

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The study relates to my professional understanding that many children are in childcare settings for whole days and that childcare has become commodified as parents seek value and quality. Many social dilemmas converge in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). The quest for professionalism, the perception of quality and accountability is at a juxtaposition with being and embodiment as essential aspects that are beneficial for very young children. This predicament highlights the power held over children and staff in ECEC, the social and ethical dilemmas faced by informing practice, the impact of emotional fatigue and the challenges faced by those advocating a more mindful, emotional, relational landscape for children in daycare. In this research I use an autoethnographic approach to explore my experience of developing mindful practice as an Early Years Practitioner (EYP) in a large daycare setting. I share my practice with children and colleagues and their engagement helps inform and perpetuate my personal mindful practice.Mindfulness has shaped my practice and helped me to cope joyfully working in a caring role which involves daily immersion in the physical uncertainty of bodily functions, fluctuating emotions and distractions.The work concludes that the benefits of investing time and resources developing mindfulness in ECEC benefit all stakeholders as they may improve practice, compassion and professional identity.Key Wordsdaycare, mindfulness, compassion, early childhood education and care (ECEC), childcare, early years workforce (EYW)

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Mindfulness and the Voice: An exploration of using spiritual and secular vocal meditation practices to enhance mindfulness based interventions

Mindfulness meditation has become a well evidenced and popular intervention. Vocal Meditation, also a contemplative practice, is prevalent globally and occasionally included in MBI interventions, however it is not often singled out as the active ingredient. VM is generally used in cultures as part of a spiritual tradition and similarly secular vocal practices are used widely in clinical as well as Sound Healing (New Age) settings. Both traditions evidence benefits for developing mindful attributes and enhancing wellbeing. The objective of this narrative review is to explore the benefit of using  spiritual and secular  vocal meditations  to uncover whether these practices could be adopted into mindfulness based interventions and to investigate some of the potential reasons  for why they have not been formally adopted thus far.

Methods After making relevant searches for current literature, I examined existing research and knowledge and analysed them against other possible theories including my own experience using an autoethnographical methodology.

Results The results indicate that although there may be some debate around the tension between spiritual and secular aspects of mindfulness practices, in relation to the use of spiritual and secular words and sounds, it may enhance mindfulness practice and make it more inclusive and accessible. The potential anxiety that may be experienced in using the voice to teach and practice mindfulness in this way, could be mitigated by using aspects of both spiritual and secular practices and show that it may be feasible to adopt Vocal Meditation into MBI’s. Using the voice in this way may help to create more embodied practitioners.

Conclusions The addition of  vocal meditations could make Mindfulness Based Interventions more inclusive for diverse populations. Teaching of these practices could enhance existing mindfulness practices to benefit wellbeing and create more embodied teachers and students.

key words: mindfulness, mantra and chanting, polyvagal theory, music therapy, music performance anxiety

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Janine

Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBI’s) are a reasonably new phenomenon within the corporate workplace. At the same time research on the efficacy of such programmes is also an evolving field of study.  However, there are very few qualitative studies on the MBI named the Mindfulness Based Living Course (MBLC).  Having trained to teach the MBLC, together with having an interest in research around wellbeing in the workplace, a passion was kindled in me to explore, recognise, highlight, and find effective ways of apprehending the opacity of the psychological effects of stress in the workplace. Therefore, this research study explored the effects, if any, of an 8-week MBLC within the corporate environment, on 13 participants who volunteered to take part. Adopting a qualitative approach, allowed me to apply “interpersonal and subjective skills” (Alaso 2017 p.9), which I had gained over the years. I employed a triangulation data collection method that provided a robust quantity of data, whilst I analysed the data using an interpretive phenomenological approach that provided rich findings of the participants lived experience. The findings of this research indicated many positive effects on psychological wellbeing in the workplace, which included improved working relationships, a reduction in perceived stress, and a more positive outlook which helped with the ability to deal with workloads.  These findings offered alignment with existing studies, where there is general agreement that the perception of stress in the workplace is mitigated through MBI’s. Uniquely, findings went beyond stress in the workplace, where participants reported noticeable shifts in interactions with family and friends, which they attributed to the informal mindful living aspects of the MBLC.  My findings offered challenges to the literature where perspectives of theory and motivation to attend MBI’s were tested. Thereby recommendations arising from the research are in relation to paying close attention to; the way in which a corporation implements an MBI; which MBI to offer; and the expert training of the facilitator.

Key Words: Mindfulness in the workplace, Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBI), Mindfulness-Based Living Course (MBLC), Psychological Wellbeing, Stress in the Workplace.

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The phenomena of Secular Mindfulness Meditation and Contemporary Celtic Spirituality with the societal and political context of Western Europe.

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The phenomena of Secular Mindfulness Meditation and Contemporary Celtic Spirituality with the societal and political context of Western Europe.

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Background and objectives: The researcher is a Secular Mindfulness Meditation practitioner of more that 10 years influenced by growing up in an Irish Celtic tradition within the broader confines of the Roman Catholic Church. Exploring mindfulness practices within the MSc sparked a curiousity about similiarities between the basic tenets of my upbringing (community, awareness of nature and appreciation of present moment experience) and those being cultivated within the practice of secular mindfulness.
Problem statement or knowledge gap: Criticisms of both phenomena are frequently linked to the political and corporate use of the techniques to fuel neo-liberalist consumerist agendas.  Detractors and proponents of these phenomena seem to be caught in a battle of modernism over primitivism without an openess to the potential wisdom of both within the overarching current context of globalization and a landscape which has become increasingly technology rather than geography based.
Methods:  A synthesis of data emerging from existing literature using an hermeneutic phenomenological mindset will be used to review the data recognising that the human experience, like spirituality, is continually evolving.  Changes to societal structures resulting from economic prosperity over past six decades, including an increase in secularization, are discussed as a means of exploring potential motivating factors behind the attraction to these phenomena.
Conclusion: TBC
Key words: Secular Mindfulness Meditation, Celtic Spirituality, Modernism, Primitivism.