Author

Alison Saum

Date of Award

5-2017

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Exercise Science

Director of Thesis

Dr. Rhea A. Merck

First Reader

Madeline Jazz Harvey

Second Reader

Madeline Jazz Harvey

Abstract

Mindfulness is the self-regulation of attention toward conscious awareness of bodily sensations and perceptions (Howell & Marich, 2015). As opposed to other forms of attention training, mindfulness focuses on a non-judgmental monitoring of stimuli and experiences which adopts a curious, open, and accepting attitude (Creswell, Denson, & Schofield, 2015). Mindfulness practitioners develop an ongoing awareness of changes in their internal experiences of sensations, thoughts, and feelings, as well as awareness of external experiences (Daubenmier, Dunn, Farb, Gard, Kerr, Klein, Mehling, Paulus, & Price, 2015). Traditionally, mindfulness involves quietly sitting and observing various experiences without judging or attempting to change the experience itself. However, any activity, whether or not the practitioner is sitting still, that permits a systematic regulation of attention and energy that influences and potentially affects perception of an experience can be classified as mindfulness (Howell & Marich, 2015). Mindfulness activities include yoga, somatic practices, dance, Tai Chi, and other practices that enhance awareness of the body (Howell & Marich, 2015).

First Page

1

Last Page

41

Rights

© 2017, Alison Saum

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