The Science of Mindfulness: A Research-Based Path to Well-Being

The nature of mindfulness practice; developing awareness with acceptance of the present experience; its psychological and physical benefits; dispelling common misconceptions; uncovering the three core skills it employs.

Human brains are actually predisposed, evolutionarily, to psychological distress; the negativity bias; human tendency to both anticipate and try to avoid pain leads to problems; what challenges might arise in practising mindfulness.

How mindfulness is developed through regular practice; investigating ways of cultivating mindfulness during daily activities such as bathing or driving; understanding the benefits of formal meditative practice and intensive retreats.

Insights that come from mindfulness practice; with reference to both cognitive science and traditional Buddhist thought, observing how the human mind creates a separate self; this conception of separateness is itself the cause of suffering.

The implications of mindfulness practice for psychological wellbeing; how mindfulness practice works toward many of the same goals as psychotherapy; the ultimate aim of traditional mindfulness practice diverges from earlier Western psychology.

How mindfulness practices train humans to embrace moment-to-moment experiences; this capacity allows one to deal with discomfort and to freely tolerate all emotional states; its benefits through cultivating empathy and mental flexibility.