Mindfulness
The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology January 1, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-70581-6_213-1 via Springer Nature
Summary
Mindfulness, originally rooted in Buddhist traditions, has transformed in Western psychology to encompass awareness and equanimity. This chapter discusses its theoretical and cultural foundations, critiques of its secular adaptation, and its potential to reshape psychological models of consciousness and wellbeing. It presents mindfulness as both a mental training method and a culturally situated stance that could influence individuals and society.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Mindfulness has the potential to reshape psychological models of consciousness and wellbeing for individuals and societies. |
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Abstract
Mindfulness refers to a family of contemplative practices and states related to the cultivation of awareness, presence, and equanimity. Originally rooted in Buddhist traditions, mindfulness has undergone a significant transformation as it entered Western psychological discourse, particularly within cognitive, neuroscientific, educational, and clinical frameworks. This chapter explores the theoretical, philosophical, and cultural underpinnings of mindfulness, its epistemological ambiguities, and its impact on cognition, emotion, selfhood, and society. It addresses current critiques concerning its secular appropriation, functional reductionism, and cultural decontextualization, while considering its revolutionary potential in reshaping psychological models of consciousness and wellbeing for individuals and societies. Drawing from neurophenomenology, enactivism, and cultural psychology, the chapter reframes mindfulness as both a mental training and a culturally situated existential stance with a potential to affect society at large.