The utilization of mindfulness in health and well-being is a burgeoning area of study and practice in the mental health and healthcare fields. The number of research articles, books, and popular articles on the topic is growing exponentially and the demand for quality professional training in these practices and techniques are increasing each year. Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist meditation, a secular practice of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a key component in a wide variety of empirically validated interventions, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. What was once a secular practice known by a few is now being studied by many because of its many health benefits. For example, neuroscientists are mapping how mindfulness training can change the way the brain functions. They are taking a fresh look at the nature of the “self,” as well as examining how mindfulness affects the regulation of emotions, feelings of compassion, wisdom, and the far reaches of human potential.
Research in the field of happiness is also expanding at a rapid pace. Studies suggest that 40% of our happiness is attributed to intentional activities—things over which we have control (Lykken, 1999; Killingsworth, 2016). The key to happiness for individuals appears to lie in changing the 40% they can control such as engaging in positive, creative experiences and positive thought patterns.
Most people want to experience health and happiness. Positive emotions (e.g., joy, delight, contentment, serenity, curiosity, interest, vitality, and enthusiasm), motivation, effort, commitment, variety, social support, and effective health habits are keys to achieving and maintaining happiness. Happiness contributes to positive mental, physical, and spiritual health and supports positive emotions. Practicing mindful happiness helps cultivate positive happy emotions while experiencing the benefits of mindfulness as well. The result is the ability to make choices that lead to success, abundance, wealth, health on many levels, and positive, supportive relationships (Scott, 2015).