In a number of studies, mindfulness meditation based on Vipassana Buddhism has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety as well as improve medical symptoms, such as helping diabetics to control their blood sugar. Now a study led by James Carmody, Ph.D., at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (Journal of Psychosomatic Research) looked at the potentially healing role of spirituality in mindfulness practice.
Researchers studied 44 participants in UMass' mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, an eight-session group program for individuals dealing with stress that was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. In the study, participants' levels of mindfulness (nonjudgmental present-moment awareness) and levels of spirituality ("meaning and peace" and "faith") were measured. Also measured were participants' psychological and medical symptoms before and after taking part in the MBSR program. The researchers found that both mindfulness and spirituality increased and were associated with decreased psychological distress and a reduction in the number of medical symptoms.
In another recent study (Journal of Behavioral Medicine), Carmody's team looked at the role of home practice of meditation exercises. They found that the length of time that MBSR participants spent on their mindfulness practice out of class had a significant effect on their levels of mindfulness and psychological functioning.
These results are a gentle reminder that to reap mindfulness benefits, you've got to regularly sit on your . . . um . . . seat.
Sheldon Lewis