Mindfulness as a practice is centered on present-moment awareness and a non-critical, open mindset. In recent years, researchers have worked to bridge the gap between mindfulness and empirical studies in psychology and medicine. There are three essential components of mindfulness: intention, attention, and attitude (O'Kelly and J. Collard 2003)
Intention is about having a clear understanding of why one practices mindfulness, grounded in meaningful and functional values.This means motivation and practical goals play a vital role in the practice. Attention involves the direct observation of each moment as it happens, including both internal experiences and external events. Attitude refers to the manner in which one pays attention mindfully. This requires cultivating a compassionate, open-hearted, and non-judgmental approach to whatever arises in awareness.
Mindfulness, in essence, seeks to reduce automatic, mindless responses where sensations, perceptions, emotions, and actions occur without conscious awareness (O'Kelly and J. Collard 2003). Mindfulness counters this automaticity by encouraging conscious, deliberate awareness of one's thoughts and actions. A critical aspect of mindfulness is its flexibility, both in awareness and attention. This flexibility allows individuals to shift perspectives, gaining a broader view of a situation while also focusing on important details. Additionally, mindfulness promotes an empirical stance towards reality, encouraging objective observation and an understanding of each moment's experience.
The benefits of mindfulness are becoming increasingly recognized, particularly in enhancing quality of life and improving romantic relationships. Mindfulness helps individuals approach stressful events as challenges rather than threats, which can reduce stress and its negative effects on relationships. Early research supports this, suggesting that mindfulness fosters deeper connection and closeness between partners (O'Kelly and J. Collard 2003). While this body of research is still in its early stages, the initial findings are promising and point to mindfulness as a valuable tool for both individual well-being and relationship health.
A. Vernon (ed.) Monica O’Kelly and James Collard, Cognitive and Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy with Couples: Theory and Practice, DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-5137-2_2
