Mindfulness and the contemplative life: pathways to connection, insight, and purpose.

Mindfulness serves as a foundation for other contemplative practices, such as those aimed at developing prosocial qualities, cognitive insight, and a sense of meaning and purpose. The article discusses how different forms of meditation may contribute to well-being and highlights the role of worldview as a variable in mindfulness practice. It raises questions to guide future research on the relationships between mindfulness, other meditation practices, and well-being.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Despite the growing popular and scientific interest in mindfulness and other forms of meditation, there are important gaps in our understanding of the full range of contemplative practices and the manner in which specific forms of meditation may contribute to well-being. In this article, we discuss the relationship between mindfulness and other forms of meditation, such as those related to prosocial qualities, cognitive insight, and meaning and purpose. We propose that mindfulness plays an important role as a foundation for other contemplative practices. We also discuss the importance of worldview as a variable in mindfulness practice and raise questions that may guide future research in this area.