Understanding Mindfulness in Clinical Perspective

Mindfulness facilitates "wise mind" states, in which the individual is able to find a synthesis between emotional experience and logical thought (Feigenbaum, 2006). It primarily aims to teach people to approach the stressful situations "mindfully" so that they may respond to the situation wisely instead of reacting to it automatically. It is a core psychological process that can alter how we respond to the unavoidable difficulties in the life not only to everyday existential challenges , but also to severe psychological problems such as suicidal ideation (Linehan 1993a), chronic depression (Segal, Williams,&Teasdale, 2002) and psychotic delusions (Bach&Hayes, 2002). As a focused psychological strategy or skill, Mindfulness is gaining clinical credence for many psychological disorders (Baer, 2003). Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction has demonstrated positive effects for a number of physical and mental health problems including cancer, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety and disordered eating (Baer, 2003; Grossman et al., 2004). The present paper provides an understanding of the concept as well as throws light on the research into the neurological and behavioral benefits of mindfulness skill training.