| There has been significant research interest focusing on the effects of mindfulness in clinical settings which has demonstrated promising results for the reduction of psychological symptoms. However, this movement has largely overlooked the value of studying mindfulness in its original context of intensive silent meditation practice. Aims of traditional Buddhist mindfulness practice incorporate clinical objectives and extend beyond them to include positive psychological capacities and ultimately the total elimination of personal suffering. These vast aims invite a broader perspective of mental health and a clinical investigation of traditional meditation practice as a means of psychological change. This study attempted to address some of these aims as well as determine if mindfulness training within a Buddhist context had similar beneficial outcomes to mindfulness training within a secular clinical context. The study examined the impact of two intensive four-week Buddhist mindfulness meditation retreats on participants' mental health, and the cultivation of mindfulness and reperceiving. Findings from the controlled portion of the study suggest that four weeks of intensive meditation significantly increases mindfulness and reperceiving. At one-month follow up, significantly increased mindfulness, reperceiving, self-compassion, and openness to experience were seen in two separate groups both undergoing mindfulness retreats. Increases in mindfulness and reperceiving also related to positive changes in all psychological symptoms measured. Additionally, the fact that depression and anxiety scores were very low by clinical standards in this population, and that greater beneficial changes on all measures correlated with years of meditation experience implies that regular meditation practice over time could be a powerful antidote to mental illness. Future directions and implications are discussed. |
