Scientific Benefits Of Present Moment Awareness

Cultivating a focused awareness on the present offers significant advantages for both individuals and organizational settings (Kabat-Zinn, 1990). By intentionally directing attention to the here and now, individuals can experience a range of positive outcomes, fostering a more balanced and resilient workforce or student body (Baer, 2011; Gross, 2012). The ability to be present allows individuals to navigate daily challenges with greater calm, diminishing worries about the future and rumination on the past, leading to a more grounded and stable emotional state (Baer, 2011; Gross, 2012). Furthermore, this emphasis on the present moment enhances cognitive functions such as attention and focus. Training the mind to stay present can lead to increased productivity and improved learning outcomes by reducing distractions and improving concentration (Jha et al., 2007; Posner & Rothbart, 2000). Ultimately, the practice of present moment awareness provides a valuable, secular tool for promoting overall well-being, emotional stability, and cognitive enhancement within any organization (Walsh & Vaughan, 1993).

References:

Baer, R. A. (2011). Mindfulness. Gross, J. J. (2012). Emotion Regulation. Jha, A. P. et al. (2007). Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience. Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living. Posner, M. I. & Rothbart, M. K. (2000). Development and Psychopathology. Walsh, R. & Vaughan, F. (Eds.). (1993). Paths Beyond Ego.