Dialectics of mindfulness: implications for western medicine.
Philos Ethics Humanit Med May 17, 2011 Sebastian Sauer, Siobhan Lynch, Harald Walach et al. 51 citations
Mindfulness is widely used and effective, but easily misunderstood in ways that limit its benefits. The concept rests on five seemingly contradictory dialectical positions: activity versus passivity, wanting versus non-wanting, changing versus non-changing, non-judging versus non-reacting, and active acceptance versus passive acceptance. Understanding these paradoxes is necessary for proper application. The article discusses practical implications and potential caveats for medical professionals.