Meditation and Mindfulness: Combatting Negative Mindsets and Mental Health Afflictions While Promoting Positives such as Confidence and General Well-Being

Popular opinion holds that meditation and mindfulness render positive effects. However, minimal empirical evidence has been submitted except in the last seven years since it has gained attention. This study uses data from these recent years to gather a concise view of the effects of meditation and mindfulness practices in combatting anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem as well as the increase in positives such as confidence and general well-being. Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. has been promoting meditation and mindfulness as treatment for stress since the 1980s. He has applied the practice to physical ailments as well as mental maladies (Kabat-Zinn, 2014b). Some researchers apply the foundation of his work to their own in order to discover if the practices minimize the effects of stress, anxiety and depression. Recently, investigation into increasing positive mindsets has gained attention. These last two areas are the ones that I’m interested in. Data from various studies prove there is a marked reduction in anxiety attacks and depression. Participants report increased feelings of confidence, capability, and well-being. The samples vary in size as well as demographics, but the results suggest an overall benefit in favor of the practice of meditation and mindfulness. To gather more empirical data and contribute to expanding the limited conversation on this matter, I designed and executed a study of my own, interviewing many people from a variety demographics and walks of life to determine the validity of meditation and mindfulness practices in combatting negative mindsets and mental illnesses and promoting positivities. Introduction Jamiewalked into the room of the health center and her anxiety was high. Meditation was new to her and she wasn’t even sure it would work. But with both her anxiety and depression plaguing her on a daily basis, her therapist asked her to give this a chance before they investigated the option of increasing the dosages of her medications. She sat down on a soft cushion placed on the floor. With the sounds of gentle music caressing her consciousness and the light incense entering her breath she followed the instructions provided by the instructor’s hypnotic voice. Soon she felt the stress in her muscles melt away, her problems felt smaller too. After the class, she thanked the instructor. While she was walking out of the building, the sun seemed brighter, she stood taller, and she felt a bit lighter. She felt empowered to face the world. I’m sure you’ve heard people refer to their “happy place.” This place is subjective, whether it be an island paradise, a childhood treehouse, or a comfortable room that you’ve constructed in your consciousness. Essentially, it helps you feel safe, relaxed, and of course, happy. One way to reach this place is by meditating. For example, by the use of breath and intonation, you can find yourself centered and grounded very quickly: Deep breath in, deep breath out, repeat. Deep breath in, deep breath out, repeat. Deep breath in, deep breath out, repeat. Another deep breath in, and then from the depths of your being comes a solid tone that builds in strength. Ooooooooooooooooooooooooohmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! 1 All interviewee names are pseudonyms Deep breath in and again, Ooooooooooooooooooooooooohmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! And again, Ooooooooooooooooooooooooohmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! This is the Universal sound. This sound helps you find your center. This sound paves the way to your happy place. “There’s no place like om.” 2