Dancing Mindfulness: A Phenomenological Investigation of the Emerging Practice.
Explore (New York, N.Y.) 2015 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2015.07.001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative phenomenological study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 10 |
| Population | Women who first learned Dancing Mindfulness in a community-based setting |
| Intervention | Dancing Mindfulness |
| Topics | Meditation Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Dance Body awareness Bodyfulness Wellness |
| Citations | 24 |
| Key findings | The women reported positive experiences with Dancing Mindfulness, with improvements in emotional and spiritual well-being, acceptance, and real-world mindfulness application, driven by dancing and music. |
Abstract
An extensive review of both quantitative and qualitative literature reveals numerous connections between mindfulness practice and psychological well-being. Dancing Mindfulness, as a holistic wellness practice, is a creative approach to mindfulness meditation that draws on dance as the vehicle for engaging in the ancient practice characterized by non-judgment, loving kindness, and present-centered awareness. Of the first participants who learned the Dancing Mindfulness practice in a community-based setting, 10 shared their lived experience with the practice, and these experiences were analyzed using A.P. Giorgi׳s descriptive phenomenological psychological method. As a collective sample, the women described positive experiences with the Dancing Mindfulness practice. Specific themes indicated improvements in emotional and spiritual well-being, increased acceptance, positive changes to the self, and increased application of mindfulness techniques and strategies to real-world living. Another thematic area suggested that dancing and music are the two major components of action within Dancing Mindfulness leading to these benefits.