The experience of mindfulness meditation as learned in a brief, structured mindfulness meditation course: A qualitative investigation

Meditation is a mind-body form of complementary and alternative medicine that an estimated 12% of the American population (35 million) uses every year to treat health-related issues. Mindfulness meditation (MM) in particular is the most common type of meditation practiced. MM has been demonstrated to provide numerous physical, social, and psychological benefits and to be an effective treatment in a wide range of applications. The benefits and effectiveness of MM have previously been examined in other studies, though this research sought to investigate the largely unexplored experience of being exposed to and practicing MM. A grounded theory qualitative research design was utilized to understand the lived experience of eight people who recently completed a structured eight-week instructional course on MM. Interviews with participants were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for commonalities. Key findings were a model of how participants develop one of the main psychological benefits of MM, the cross-cultural aspect of MM, and how participants relate to MM. The implications for future research as well as clinicians and MM instructors who study or teach MM are addressed.