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«Mindfulness is considered one of the most effective techniques to reduce stress»
It is the union between neuroscience, psychology and psychiatry and the study of what spiritual and contemplative traditions offer us. They are two branches that until now had always lived quite separately. Between psychologists and psychiatrists exist a movement that seeks the use of contemplative sciences for the well-being of human beings. We seek to identify which techniques are most effective and which are the most appropriate to achieve that state of greater well-being and less suffering.
How can they be practically applied to psychology or psychiatry?
They are techniques that are applied in a group by a therapist trained in these topics. Although also, from an aspect of personal growth, they can be applied individually, no longer with a therapeutic purpose but to increase spiritual well-being and there it is no longer necessary to be a therapist but simply apply the technique during our daily lives.
When we talk about these techniques we usually associate them with Buddhism, are they limited to this field?
Not always, for example el Mindfulness It is a Western psychological technique that takes techniques from Buddhism but has eliminated any religious reminiscence.. The same thing happens with the contemplative sciences, the different traditions are studied but then what is applied will, in principle, be something disconnected from those traditions so that they can be applied by anyone.
What are the benefits of 'mindfulness'?
Greater psychological well-being. He Mindfulness Increase the effectiveness of everything you do and above all one is much happier. The mind is more stable because it is not so aware of what is happening outside, it provides great internal stability. Then things can go better or worse for you, but it won't affect you that much because happiness and suffering are inside our minds.
Is it applicable to any field?
Yes, in education., at work, of course in health and even applies in prison. In all of them Increased attention will improve task effectiveness.
Could we then fall into an abuse of 'mindfulness'?
It is one of the criticisms that has been made the most, but I believe that what is going to happen in the coming years is that it will be put in its proper measure, that is, to be used in those fields where there is proven effectiveness. For example, him Mindfulness It does not work for all diseases, in some cases there are therapies that are much more effective. I think it will be perfectly placed in the niches where it is most effective.
Do contemplative sciences have roots in Spain?
We come from a Christian tradition that had a strong contemplative base with characters such as Saint John of the Cross or Saint Teresa. In recent years, the entire world society has suffered a process of secularization, but spiritual traditions have nothing to do with a specific religion. The World Health Organization (WHO) talks about The human being has a spiritual component regardless of believing or being an atheist. and it is this component that draws you to contemplation.
For what types of disorders would it be recommended to apply this therapeutic model based on contemplative sciences?
When used for disorders, the mindfulnes is ltherapy of choice for recurrent depression, is very useful when we talk about anxiety, addictions and everything related to the stress that is at the base of many diseases. El Mindfulness It is considered one of the most effective techniques to reduce stress. In general, contemplative traditions will achieve a feeling of well-being, peace, connection... One of the big problems that human beings have is the feeling of being separated, which is why we are always looking to be with other people. What the contemplative sciences allow is that connection with the rest of living beings and with the planet itself.
What is the objective of the Unizar Contemplative Sciences Chair?
The objective would basically be bring these contemplative sciences, which are the new frontier that exists now in psychology, research and mental health, closer to the population. We are going to continue disseminating information, we are going to hold more conferences of this type on contemplative sciences. In terms of research, there are several articles that we have recently published and there are a few more that we are going to publish because there is funding to research in this area. Finally, we also take care of issues such as translating texts by great masters that are not accessible in Spanish.
