Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to the internal and external experiences occurring into the here and now. This ability is taught through the practice of meditation and similar techniques. The recent popularity and acceptance of mindfulness in the United States was initiated by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Phd.

Large research studies have indicated that the practice of mindfulness is strongly correlated with greater well-being and perceived sense of health. This is applicable to society at large as well as specific settings such as workplaces and schools. Studies have also shown that rumination and stress contribute to mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and that mindfulness-based interventions are effective in the reduction of both rumination and stress.

Mindfulness practice is being employed in psychology to alleviate a variety of mental and physical conditions, such as bringing about reductions in depression symptoms, reducing stress, anxiety, and in the treatment of drug addiction. Recent studies demonstrate that mindfulness meditation significantly attenuates pain through multiple, unique mechanisms. It has gained worldwide popularity as a distinctive method to handle emotions.