title: Mindfulness-Based Attention Training in the Navy: A Feasibility Study

authors: Roemer, Anja

subjects: military training

abstract: Mind wandering is common during daily activities and is even more prevalent under stressful conditions, which could lead to lapses in attention and poor performance. Newly recruited military personnel who undergo demanding training often experience high levels of stress. It is therefore imperative to find ways to foster mental health and avoid performance deterioration related to mind wandering in times of intense military training. This feasibility study investigated the effectiveness of an established low-dose mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), called Mindfulness-based Attention Training (MBAT), on mind wandering, attentional performance, and well-being, delivered by a facilitator who was taught how to deliver MBAT. A sample of newly recruited Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Junior Officers (n = 17) undergoing demanding training participated in the 8-week long MBI with one weekly contact session. Measures of well-being and the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) were completed 4 weeks prior to the MBAT, at the start of the MBAT, at the end of the MBAT and 4 weeks after completion of the MBAT. Results suggest that MBAT might protect from performance decline during intense training and enhance levels of well-being at follow-up. These findings highlight the valuable role of mindfulness as a component in military training.

text: Mindfulness-Based Attention Training in the Navy: A Feasibility Study Mind wandering is common during daily activities and is even more prevalent under stressful conditions, which could lead to lapses in attention and poor performance. Newly recruited military personnel who undergo demanding training often experience high levels of stress. It is therefore imperative to find ways to foster mental health and avoid performance deterioration related to mind wandering in times of intense military training. This feasibility study investigated the effectiveness of an established low-dose mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), called Mindfulness-based Attention Training (MBAT), on mind wandering, attentional performance, and well-being, delivered by a facilitator who was taught how to deliver MBAT. A sample of newly recruited Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Junior Officers (n = 17) undergoing demanding training participated in the 8-week long MBI with one weekly contact session. Measures of well-being and the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) were completed 4 weeks prior to the MBAT, at the start of the MBAT, at the end of the MBAT and 4 weeks after completion of the MBAT. Results suggest that MBAT might protect from performance decline during intense training and enhance levels of well-being at follow-up. These findings highlight the valuable role of mindfulness as a component in military training.

year: 2023-02-01

title: Eastern Taranaki Basin field guide.

authors: Kamp, Peter J.J.

subjects: Taranaki Basin

abstract: Linking the onshore and offshore parts of Eastern Taranaki Basin: Insights to stratigraphic architecture, sedimentary facies, sequence stratigraphy, paleogeography and hydrocarbon exploration from the on land record.

text: Eastern Taranaki Basin field guide. Linking the onshore and offshore parts of Eastern Taranaki Basin: Insights to stratigraphic architecture, sedimentary facies, sequence stratigraphy, paleogeography and hydrocarbon exploration from the on land record.

year: 2006

title: Portfolio of compositions

authors: Hoadley, Benjamin Russell

subjects: New Zealand composition

abstract: The music in this portfolio of original compositions is steeped in the Western tradition of tonal music. The pieces were written while also pursuing a professional career as a bassoonist touring internationally and performing a wide variety of western art music, from Renaissance to contemporary. I have responded to these influences consciously and unconsciously in my music. The overarching focus of this composition portfolio is to provide an answer to the question — to what extent do musical influences impact on the compositions of an international touring performer?

Underpinning the portfolio is the fact that the pieces were all written in New Zealand during periods of intense reflection and study. While I am constantly collecting ideas and inspiration for my music while travelling, I consolidate and realise these ideas only when I am home.

I identify with being a New Zealand composer, with cosmopolitan influences on my music reflecting the global influences on New Zealand’s culture and art. Working closely with composers performing their music has also informed my composition. I mention Gillian Whitehead in particular, whose music I have performed widely.

The two outer pieces in the portfolio, Huia and Manaia 4 are the most directly associated with New Zealand in their subject matter. Other pieces have foreign themes, from my nocturnal impressions of New York in Night Music to the Ancient Greece of Ostrakon to the West African poetry of Four Songs.

All of the pieces were written for professional musicians to perform, including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and the Sydney Omega Ensemble. Having these outstanding performers in mind while writing, and interacting with these musicians during the composition process, has informed my writing.

text: Portfolio of compositions The music in this portfolio of original compositions is steeped in the Western tradition of tonal music. The pieces were written while also pursuing a professional career as a bassoonist touring internationally and performing a wide variety of western art music, from Renaissance to contemporary. I have responded to these influences consciously and unconsciously in my music. The overarching focus of this composition portfolio is to provide an answer to the question — to what extent do musical influences impact on the compositions of an international touring performer?

Underpinning the portfolio is the fact that the pieces were all written in New Zealand during periods of intense reflection and study. While I am constantly collecting ideas and inspiration for my music while travelling, I consolidate and realise these ideas only when I am home.

I identify with being a New Zealand composer, with cosmopolitan influences on my music reflecting the global influences on New Zealand’s culture and art. Working closely with composers performing their music has also informed my composition. I mention Gillian Whitehead in particular, whose music I have performed widely.

The two outer pieces in the portfolio, Huia and Manaia 4 are the most directly associated with New Zealand in their subject matter. Other pieces have foreign themes, from my nocturnal impressions of New York in Night Music to the Ancient Greece of Ostrakon to the West African poetry of Four Songs.

All of the pieces were written for professional musicians to perform, including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and the Sydney Omega Ensemble. Having these outstanding performers in mind while writing, and interacting with these musicians during the composition process, has informed my writing.

year: 2016