| The purpose of this study was to explore the essence of mindfulness, mindfulness-based approaches (or MBSR) to teaching and learning, and connection between mindfulness and adult learning as perceived by a group of participants in a health-oriented professional development program called Practicum in MBSR.;The study was a qualitative case study with a modified phenomenological focus. The sample consisted of 14 prospective and 3 current MBSR teachers. The primary source of data was semi-structured interviews, supported by critical incident reports, class observations, and document analysis. This study was primarily based on the self-reports of what might be regarded as an elite sample of highly educated participants in a healthcare professional setting. Hence, the results may differ from a study that was conducted in a traditional spiritual retreat setting, and the findings should be interpreted in that light for application in other settings.;Based on the multiple findings of this study, major conclusions were presented as follows: (1) MBSR is a holistic awareness education program for connection to the whole through embodied, transcendental learning and healing based on the three core principles of mindfulness, that is, Disidentification, Embodiment, and Balance, (2) The teaching in MBSR is consistent with the three core principles of mindfulness found in this study, is characterized as authentic presence, and manifests itself in multi-fold holistic teaching methods which embrace the body, the mind, and the spirit, and (3) Mindfulness is an alternative meaning-making system, more holistic than thinking and reflection, which can either serve as an adjunct to reflective education or function as a stand-alone transformative learning vehicle.;This study pointed out the value of expanding the current adult education paradigm, going beyond reflective education to embrace the broader spectrum of human existence. As part of the effort to make this shift, this study proposed the Model for Education for Mindful Awareness (or EMA Model) based on the three principles of mindfulness, Transcendence, Immanence, and Balance. |
