In recent years, mindfulness has made a powerful entrance into popular culture and clinical psychology. Initially associated with stress reduction, recent research is revealing a deeper impact: the ability of mindfulness to decrease automatic constraints on thought, creating space for greater spontaneity and mental creativity.
Through a non-judgmental approach, mindfulness seeks to break automatic patterns that often perpetuate mental states of anxiety, rumination, or obsessions. In this article, we will explore the psychological and neuroscientific mechanisms that support this practice, as well as its applications in improving emotional and cognitive well-being.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is defined as a practice of full attention that allows individuals to observe their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. Two of its most common forms are:
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Focused Attention Meditation (FA): In this technique, attention is directed to a single object, such as breathing, with the aim of developing concentration and controlling distractions.
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Open Monitoring Meditation (OM): This approach fosters open and balanced attention, allowing any thought or sensation to arise and fade without trying to control it.
Both modalities aim to cultivate a non-judgmental attitude, but they differ in their attentional goals. FA requires conscious effort to return to a focal point when distractions arise, while OM promotes broad and flexible attention.