Mindfulness in sustainability science, practice, and teaching
C. Wamsler, J. Brossmann, Heidi Hendersson, Rakel Kristjánsdóttir, C. Mcdonald, Philip Scarampi
Sustainability Science April 5, 2017 DOI: 10.1007/s11625-017-0428-2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative literature review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Education |
| Key findings | Argues that mindfulness has been neglected in sustainability science and teaching despite scientific support for its positive influence on subjective well-being, intrinsic core values, sustainable consumption and behavior, the human-nature connection, equity issues, social activism, and deliberate adaptive responses to climate change. Contends that mindfulness should become a core concept in sustainability science, practice, and teaching, and calls for more research acknowledging positive emotional connections, spirituality, and mindfulness. |
Abstract
This paper explores the current role of mindfulness in sustainability science, practice, and teaching. Based on a qualitative literature review that is complemented by an experimental learning lab, we sketch the patterns and core conceptual trajectories of the mindfulness–sustainability relationship. In addition, we assess this relationship within the field of climate change adaptation and risk reduction. The results highlight that notions such as ‘sustainability from within’, ‘ecological mindfulness’, ‘organizational mindfulness’, and ‘contemplative practices’ have been neglected in sustainability science and teaching. Whilst little sustainability research addresses mindfulness, there is scientific support for its positive influence on: (1) subjective well-being; (2) the activation of (intrinsic/ non-materialistic) core values; (3) consumption and sustainable behavior; (4) the human–nature connection; (5) equity issues; (6) social activism; and (7) deliberate, flexible, and adaptive responses to climate change. Most research relates to post-disaster risk reduction, although it is limited to the analysis of mindfulness-related interventions on psychological resilience. Broader analyses and foci are missing. In contrast, mindfulness is gaining widespread recognition in practice (e.g., by the United Nations, governmental and non-governmental organizations). It is concluded that mindfulness can contribute to understanding and facilitating sustainability, not only at the individual level, but sustainability at all scales, and should, thus, become a core concept in sustainability science, practice, and teaching. More research that acknowledges positive emotional connections, spirituality, and mindfulness in particular is called for, acknowledging that (1) the micro and macro are mirrored and interrelated, and (2) non-material causation is part of sustainability. This paper provides the first comprehensive framework for contemplative scientific inquiry, practice, and education in sustainability.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 25
- The Way Forward in Mindfulness and Sustainability: a Critical Review and Research Agenda Journal of Cognitive Enhancement July 2, 2020
- Mindfulness Training at School: A Way to Engage Adolescents with Sustainable Consumption? Sustainability October 4, 2018
- Effectiveness of mindful self-compassion therapy on psychopathology symptoms, psychological distress and life expectancy in infertile women treated with in vitro fertilization: a two-arm double-blind parallel randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry March 1, 2024
- Self-transcendent experiences as promoters of ecological wellbeing? Exploration of the evidence and hypotheses to be tested Frontiers in Psychology November 14, 2022
- Next‐generation mindfulness: A mindfulness matrix to extend the transformative potential of mindfulness for consumer, organizational, and societal wellbeing Journal of Consumer Affairs April 1, 2023
and 20 more in the library
Cites 21
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and 16 more in the library