Search results for: mindfulness in All Content

Love-Based leadership in early childhood education

Love-Based leadership in early childhood education

Author(s): Kaarina Määttä,Satu Uusiautti / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2013

Keywords: early childhood education; early childhood education teachers; caring; pedagogical love

A day care center is not just any place where children can spend their day while parents are at work. How to ensure that children have good childhood experiences and how to support their positive development from the very beginning of their educational career? In this study, we introduce the concept of love-based leadership and discuss its role and implementation in early education. Love-based leadership in early education is a method that renews teachers’ professional skills. The Finnish early childhood education system offers favorable premises for love-based leadership in early education. The method should also be included in the curriculum of future early childhood education teachers.

Psychological Capital, Self-Compassion, and Life Satisfaction of Unemployed Youth

Psychological Capital, Self-Compassion, and Life Satisfaction of Unemployed Youth

Author(s): Eglė Sabaitytė,Aistė Diržytė / Language(s): English / Issue: 19/2017

Keywords: psychological capital; self-compassion; life satisfaction; unemployed youth;

Background. Youth unemployment is currently one of the biggest problems in European society. It can reduce the economic prosperity and psychological well-being of unemployed youth. Positive psychological capital (PsyCap) and self-compassion are linked with a number of positive constructs. Those include satisfaction with life, positive affect and personal initiative to make needed changes in one’s life. Thus, PsyCap and self-compassion could be promising resources enhancing the psychological well-being of unemployed youth. The aims of the study are: 1) to reveal relation between PsyCap and self-compassion with life satisfaction of unemployed youth; 2) to investigate the difference between PsyCap and self-compassion for higher and lower levels of life satisfaction among unemployed youth. Methods. The sample consisted of 80 unemployed Lithuanians aged 19-29 (38% male, 62% female). The Psychological capital questionnaire (Luthans et al., 2007), Satisfaction With Life scale (Diener et al., 1985), and Self-Compassion scale (Neff, 2003a) were used in the study. Results. Positive and significant correlations were found between PsyCap and life satisfaction. Moreover, we found positive and significant correlations between PsyCap components and all positive self-compassion components. Although life satisfaction positively correlates with total self-compassion, however, not all positive components of self-compassion correlate with the life satisfaction of unemployed youth. Furthermore, unemployed youth highly satisfied with life had higher levels of PsyCap and self-compassion compared to unemployed youth who were less satisfied with life. Conclusions. Our findings revealed positive correlations between PsyCap and self-compassion with life satisfaction of unemployed youth. Future research is needed in order to explore the causality between variables.

Writing a Love Letter to Your (Perceived) Enemy: Thích Nhất Hạnh and the Rhetoric of Nonviolence

Writing a Love Letter to Your (Perceived) Enemy: Thích Nhất Hạnh and the Rhetoric of Nonviolence

Author(s): Michael Phillips-Anderson,Rachel Phillips-Anderson / Language(s): English / Issue: 01/2017

Keywords: nonviolence; rhetoric; Thích Nhất Hạnh; peace; interbeing;

Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist Thích Nhất Hạnh has been a leading figure in the promotion of nonviolent practice throughout the world. We examine his concept of engaged Buddhism, theories of nonviolence, and intersections with rhetorical and communication studies. His approach takes nonviolence beyond the realm of refusing to use physical violence to the recognition that language itself can be violent. In order to understand this approach we detail the concepts of interbeing, loving speech, and deep listening. We examine the role of love in Nhất Hạnh’s theory of nonviolence, comparing it with approaches taken by Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. Examples are given from many of Nhất Hạnh’s speeches and writings with particular attention paid to a love letter he wrote to US President George W. Bush during the Iraq War. Thích Nhất Hạnh offers the practice of writing a love letter to one’s perceived enemy as a means to persuade for a turn to nonviolence.

(Non)christian meditation and treatment of depression

Medytacja (nie)chrześcijańska a leczenie osób o zaburzeniach depresyjnych

Author(s): Marcin Niesporek / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 2/2016

Keywords: depression; initiation; yoga; meditation; transcendental meditation; mindfulness; psychiatry; demonic possession

The worst illness that may befall man is one that disturbs his mind. It limits his perception of the external world and harms his relationship with his family and society. Advocates of a new method, called mindfulness, claim that it holds promise for treating depression and improving the mental health. Their adversaries warn against its potential to cause further disorder to already mentally disturbed patients. Notwithstanding measurable effects of the mindfulness method, one must discern its relationship with the eschatological dimension of man. Careful analysis of the method reveals its roots in Buddhism and Zen, the two concepts of man, God and salvation completely at odds with the Christian one. The essay compares Christian and Buddhist spiritual exercises, transcendental meditation techniques and yoga and suggests their proper use in psychotherapy.

The role of emotional capital on initial students teacher training

The role of emotional capital on initial students teacher training

Author(s): Bénédicte Gendron,Carmen Rusu / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2016

Keywords: emotional capital; emotional competencies; freshmen students; Mindfulness, ACT.

This paper presents partial results of an experimental research-action part of a national scientific project implemented between 2014-2019 at the University Paul Valery. The principal objective is to develop emotional capital of freshmen of Faculty of Sciences Education. In their initial training, two approaches – European tool of Project Management and Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Training were used in order to help students become more flexible, to identify and regulate suitably their emotions and to develop efficient and adaptive relationships with others.

The Problem of Ontological Insecurity. What Can We Learn from Sociology Today? Some Zen Buddhist Inspirations

The Problem of Ontological Insecurity. What Can We Learn from Sociology Today? Some Zen Buddhist Inspirations

Author(s): Krzysztof T. Konecki / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2018

Keywords: art of living; Zen Buddhism; sociology; ontological insecurity; mind; self; meditation; suffering; greedy institutions;

Can we learn about the art of living from sociology? Sociology teaches us that we are the part of a broader group called society. We are taught that society should be first described in order to be understood and/or explained, and that the cognitive function is the most important part in understanding the role sociology should play in a democratic and modern society. Is this understanding (cognition) enough? What more can we get to better our quality of life and live a wholesome life from studying sociology or society using a sociological perspective? Is sociology a tool for the art of living or is it just a play of the “sophisticated”? In this paper, we analyze the sociology from the philosophy of Zen Buddhism to show the connection between the work of mind and the sociological concepts that are used to analyze “society.” Moreover, we analyze the approaches of George H. Mead, Robert Merton, and especially and separately Anthony Giddens that created, very important for our considerations, the concept of “ontological security.” We also reconstruct the structural conditions of the art of living and happiness, analyzing the concept of greedy institutions by Lewis Coser. We analytically connect the structural conditions of work in contemporary greedy institutions (working on projects) with the loss of ontological security. We analyze the displacement of the meaning of work, career, autonomy, time structure, identity, privacy and happiness, and finally the sociology. We try to use a Buddhist inspiration to analyze issues of suffering and, associated with it, so called ontological insecurity and the welfare of the individual and/or society.

Company Aikido – It Seems to Be a Practical Method to Reduce Stress and Increase a Person’s Energy

Company Aikido – It Seems to Be a Practical Method to Reduce Stress and Increase a Person’s Energy

Author(s): Andronicus Torp,Adrian Bunea,Corina Cipu / Language(s): English / Issue: 10/2016

Keywords: Human Resource Management; Energy; Stress; Human Resource Development; Company Sport; Electrophotonic Imaging;

Companies are increasingly using methods such as massage, sports, mindfulness, etc. in order for example to improve employee well-being, reduce stress, or increase the energy level of the employees. This article examines, based on a case study, if Aikido may be a practical way to reduce stress and/or increase energy. The empirical study is based on measuring the energy and stress level of the practitioners before and after the practice of Aikido by the use of the ElectroPhotonic Imaging Device developed by Prof. Dr. Korotkov.

Possibilities of Interventions while Working with a Highly Self-Critical Client

Možnosti intervencie pri práci s vysoko sebakritickým klientom

Author(s): Júlia Halamová / Language(s): Slovak / Issue: 3/2015

Keywords: self-criticism; self-compassion; self-reassurance; self-hate; intervention;

Self-criticism is a major conjoint factor in the background of many psychiatric diagnoses. Conversely, self-reassurance and self-compassion are generally associated with better psychological health and well-being. The article provides an overview of various possible interventions in this area. The interventions are classified into two types: these requiring psychotherapist’s presence (psychotherapy and training programs) or these which are self-help based (meditation, mindfulness, virtual reality, expressive writing, imagination and focusing on human faces with positive mood). The following article „Specifics of Psychotherapy with Highly Self-Critical Client“ focuses particularly on psychotherapy with highly self-critical clients.

The interactive context of discovering the category of corporeality in a phenomenological approach

The interactive context of discovering the category of corporeality in a phenomenological approach

Author(s): Alicja Długołęcka / Language(s): English / Issue: 21 (28)/2019

Keywords: body; corporeality; carnal self; embodied presence; care; gratitude; mindfulness; ethics of touch; therapeutic relation in physiotherapy;

The article presents different ways of dealing with the subject of the body and corporeality in the humanities, which can form the epistemiological and axiological basis in a reflection on the psycho- and physiotherapeutic relationship with patients, and confronts them with the results of two qualitative studies based on the grounded theory concerning exploration by women of their own body and experiencing their own corporeality, intimacy and touch in medical relations. The author shows that phenomenological philosophy, taking into account the concepts of “carnal self” and “presence of the embodied” that human knowledge always has a carnal character, is the most adequate for use in analyses regarding therapeutic interactions related to the body. Analysis of qualitative research on the process of realising your own corporeality in the cognitive-emotional dimension in the relationship with oneself and in the therapeutic relationship fully confirms the legitimacy of applying the grounded theory method in the study of phenomena regarding carnality and such values as gratitude, mindfulness, care, efficiency and autonomy emerge.

Self-compassion and self-efficacity as personal resources for therapists

Auto-compasiunea și auto-eficacitateaca – resurse personale în cazul terapeuților

Author(s): Raluca Nicoleta Trifu,Bogdana Susana Miclea,Dana Herța,Smaranda Pușcașu,Horia Coman / Language(s): Romanian / Issue: 1/2021

Keywords: self compassion,; self efficacy; personal resources; therapist resources; Self-Compassion Scale;

One of the special human qualities is the compassion shown towards our fellow, in special situations, people who live certain states determined by the moments of life they go through. Self-compassion refers to the ability to show compassion, understanding and protection to oneself. It is operationalized by researcher Kristin Neff. Self-efficacy, proposed by Albert Bandura, refers to the perception of self and is related to the belief in one's own abilities, in one's own ability to solve situations. The interest of the study aims the relationship between self-compassion and self-efficacy in the case of a distinct category, that of therapists, professionally faced with situations that require personal resources. Methods: The level of self-compassion was assessed with the Self-Compassion Scale, 26 items, proposed by Kristin Neff. The level of self-efficacy was assessed using the New General Self-Efficacy Scale, the 8-item scale proposed by Gilad Chen & co (2001). Both questionnaires were distributed electronically. The data obtained were statistically analyzed and interpreted. Results: In the professional categories investigated, there are underline links and relations between the two constructs, with professional implications. The results show (1) Therapists have high values in assessing self-efficacy; (2) Therapists have high values of self-compassion; (3) Therapists have a high level of self-compassion and a low level of self-criticism as indicated by the self-compassion sub-scales; (4) There is a direct relationship between self-efficacy and self-compassion; (5) Therapists with high level of self-compassion also have a high level of self-efficacy (6) The level of self-efficacy is influenced by age and professional experience. (7) The level of self-compassion is influenced by age and professional experience Conclusion: The two concepts discussed are important in relation to certain professional categories and under the auspices of situations considered stressful and with emotional burden.

Composing the Actual: Brainwave Sonification as Materialized Intensity of Virtual Relations

Composing the Actual: Brainwave Sonification as Materialized Intensity of Virtual Relations

Author(s): Jasna Jovićević / Language(s): English / Issue: 23/2020

Keywords: sonified brain waves; virtual-actual dimension; open-social; affective interaction; music experiment.

My recently performed experimental music performance I Sit and Worry About Her comprises a transdisciplinary research project that explores the function of large-scale cortical networks and application of EEG, monitoring the brainwaves in music making and perceiving. The project aims at understanding the activity of the brain and its electric impulses as an affect or intensity of virtual relations. There are several assemblages that relate rhizomatically in different dimensions inside an event; from minor gestures in the brain’s electric impulse continuum, its self-enjoyment and experience of sound frequencies, to the affective modality that creates authentic collective identity during the performance, thus questioning the unity of movement between subject and object. The project involves playing pre-recorded music content back to the performance space in real time, triggered by a threshold of a certain brainwave frequency; thus, it functions as a sonification of the brain’s electricity – a kind of materialization of a virtual property. Pre-recorded music is perceived in the performing space before the subject becomes a knower of the actualized potential, before she perceives her thought. Does that make me a composer of the perceiver’s actual dimension? If we apply this performance technique, is it possible to actualize the virtual open-social identity, even while involved in a social collaborative interaction?

In Search for the Adaptive Self: A Model of Adaptive Self-Concept

In Search for the Adaptive Self: A Model of Adaptive Self-Concept

Author(s): Tomasz Jankowski,Wacław Bąk / Language(s): English / Issue: 4/2020

Keywords: adaptive self; self-concept; self-knowledge; self-awareness; quiet ego

The main aim of this article is to present a descriptive social-cognitive model of the adaptive self-concept (ASC) which integrates knowledge concerning the relationship between two aspects of the self—self-awareness and self-knowledge—and optimal functioning. We propose that adaptive self-awareness is moderately frequent, non-ruminative, focused on inner states, and motivated by curiosity. Adaptive self-knowledge is defined as accurate, complex, integrated and consisting of easily accessible self-beliefs, both abstract and concrete. The broader context for the ASC model is discussed, including its regulatory and interpersonal functions and factors which influence ASC development. The limitations of the model are discussed and suggestions are made for future investigations.

Reviews

Recenze

Author(s): Jan Benda,David Holubl / Language(s): Czech / Issue: 1/2021

This paper contains bellow listed reviews: 1. Riegel, Karel D., Kalina, Kamil a Pěč, Ondřej. Poruchy osobnosti v 21. století: diagnostika v teorii a praxi. Vydání první. Praha: Portál, 2020. 238 stran. ISBN 978-80-262-1596-7. 2. Žvelc, G., & Žvelc, M. (2021). Integrative Psychotherapy: A Mindfulness-and Compassion-Oriented Approach. Routledge. 244 stran.

ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF NUTRITIONAL AWARENESS IN IMPROVING THE TEACHING AND ASSIMILATION OF FUNDAMENTAL THEORETICAL AND CLINICAL DISCIPLINES

АНАЛІЗ РОЛІ УСВІДОМЛЕНОСТІ ПРОЦЕСУ ХАРЧУВАННЯ В ПОЛІПШЕННІ ВИКЛАДАННЯ ТА ЗАСВОЄННЯ ФУНДАМЕНТАЛЬНИХ ТЕОРЕТИЧНИХ ТА КЛІНІЧНИХ ДИСЦИПЛІН

Author(s): Yurii Rohovyi,Vyacheslav Bilo’okiy,Yulia Bilo’oka / Language(s): Ukrainian / Issue: 4/2020

Keywords: educational process; mindfulness in nutrition; problem-based learning; professional competence;

The purpose of the study. This article focuses on the role of mindfulness in nutrition in improving teaching in fundamental theoretical and clinical disciplines. The specificity of the topic is an analytical approach to the application method of research – descriptive: comparison-for the analysis, synthesis and generalization of role of mindfulness in nutrition in the possibility of significantly improving the assimilation of the leading theoretical and clinical disciplines with the dominant influence of such spheres of human consciousness as thinking, intelligence. Scientific novelty. For the first time, an original, innovative, alternative approach has been introduced into practice, showing that for a deep understanding of the essence of the disease, for the formation of highly professional competencies, it is expedient to introduce of mindfulness in nutrition to increase the adaptive capacity, stress resistance, restoration of regulation mechanisms of teachers and students in the whole educational process. Conclusion. The introduction of mindfulness in nutrition into the educational process will allow to achieve the leading interests of fundamental theoretical and clinical disciplines of deep knowledge of the General laws of disease development, pre-disease, to ensure their leading role in the formation of students' fundamentals of clinical thinking and improving the quality of the educational process.

Therapeutic practises as capitalist techniques of self

Praktyki terapeutyczne jako kapitalistyczne techniki siebie

Author(s): Michał Rydlewski / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 04/2020

Keywords: neoliberalism;therapeutic practises;techniques of self;Foucault;Fisher;

In my article, I would like to present a few examples, both in the field of professional psychology and popular psychology, showing the desocialization (disocializing)and depoliticizing (depoliticizing) dimension of these practices carried out by individual people who, thanks to appropriate tools (this word is very fashionable in popular therapeutic practices), they give the possibility or hope for this possibility, to „improve oneself ”, to create a „better version of oneself ”, as the popular advertising slogan says.

Contemporary Dedication to Awareness as Compared to the Legacy of St. Ignatius’ Examen

Contemporary Dedication to Awareness as Compared to the Legacy of St. Ignatius’ Examen

Author(s): Tone Svetelj / Language(s): English / Issue: 48/2021

Keywords: awareness; mindfulness; Ignatian examen; God’s presence

The rising interest in awareness is a modern phenomenon which can be interpreted as an attempt to reconstruct, what seems to be an extremely important but still missing aspect in our lives in a secular society. True awareness is a rare quality which goes beyond simple self-awareness and growth inattentiveness. True awareness allows us to become aware of our own strengths and weaknesses, become less judgmental, more proactive, emotionally more mature and open to a meta reality: love, compassion, creativity, personal evolution. This modern interest in awareness in many ways overlaps with the Ignatian examen as a way of finding God and God’s blessings in our daily life.The focus of the examen is much more than awareness of past events; it is the moment of deep connection with God in the present moment.

PERSONAL VALUES AND SELF-ACCEPTANCE: ANXIETY FREE VS ANXIETY-BASED DIMENSION

PERSONAL VALUES AND SELF-ACCEPTANCE: ANXIETY FREE VS ANXIETY-BASED DIMENSION

Author(s): Mariam Kvitsiani,Maia Mestvirishvili,Khatuna Martskvishvili,Tamar Kamushadze,Mariam Odilavadze,Mariam Panjikidze / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2019

Keywords: basic value systems; psychological flexibility; quantitative research; unconditional self-acceptance;

When talking about human well-being, Unconditional Self-acceptance represents one of the cores. Although researchers have focused on various predictors of Acceptance, there is not a clear understanding of personal values impacting the process of accepting oneself. The aim of the research was to explore the association between basic values and unconditional self-acceptance, and to find out the role of psychological flexibility in this relationship. 370 participants filled the questionnaires to explore basic values, unconditional self-acceptance and psychological flexibility. As data showed, self-transcendence and openness to change predict higher level of psychological flexibility, however, only openness to change possesses positive predictive power for unconditional self-acceptance. Mediation model indicates that basic value system of openness to changes is the one, which reflected on individual’s higher psychological flexibility, and through this flexibility she/he achieves higher level of unconditional self-acceptance. The research confirmed a unique role of openness to change in association with self-acceptance which might be an important insight for clinical psychologists as well as for mental health professionals.

‘This illness affects not only me’: Contending with Fibromyalgia

‘This illness affects not only me’: Contending with Fibromyalgia

Author(s): Miriam Levinger,Zehavit Shpitzer,Rada Jihleb / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2022

Keywords: Fibromyalgia; group therapy; person-in-environment; SUDs Rating Scale; guided imagery; CBT; therapeutic cards

The aim of this study was to obtain a more profound understanding of the inner world of individuals contending with fibromyalgia that might contribute to the development of more effective intervention strategies on various levels. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain-inducing illness that affects both physical functioning and emotional wellbeing. Society’s lack of recognition of the illness and its ramifications make coping with it even harder. The standard medical treatment consists of analgesics, but studies have found that adding individual or group psychological intervention contributes greatly to alleviating the symptoms. A group intervention at a hospital in central Israel that used skills based on the person-in-environment approach provided not only a test of the intervention’s efficacy but also a close view of the inner world of people with fibromyalgia. Content analysis of the summaries of the group meetings revealed a great difference between what the individuals felt and what others, including family members, saw or heard. Not being heard may intensify the individual’s suffering and prevent recognition by others of the illness. The article describes these issues, which were discussed in the group intervention. This added knowledge may narrow the gap between the inside and the outside and may amplify the voices of individuals contending with fibromyalgia, thus contributing to increased recognition of their condition, more efficacious interventions, and improvement of their quality of life.

Self-criticism and self-compassion as mediators of the relationship between alexithymia and postpartum depressive symptoms

Self-criticism and self-compassion as mediators of the relationship between alexithymia and postpartum depressive symptoms

Author(s): Ana-Maria Andrei,Rebecca Webb,Violeta Enea / Language(s): English,Serbian / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: alexithymia; self-criticism; self-compassion, postpartum depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is common after birth and can have a profound effect on women and their families. It is therefore important to understand the conditions and factors that lead to the occurrence and maintenance of PPD. The first aim of the current study was to identify whether there is a relationship between alexithymia and postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) in a sample of Romanian mothers. The second aim was to explore whether self-criticism and self-compassion mediate the relationship between alexithymia and PPDS. The current cross-sectional study included 307 mothers with babies aged between four weeks and one year. The results show that alexithymia, self-compassion, self-criticism, PPDS all correlated with one another, and self-criticism, self-compassion and alexithymia are significant predictors of PPDS. Moreover, self-criticism and self-compassion mediated the relationship between alexithymia and PPDS. A psychological therapy that increases self-compassion and reduces alexithymia and self-criticism may be beneficial for preventing symptoms of PPD.

A Paradigm Shift in Public Health: Yoga and Meditation for Prevention

A Paradigm Shift in Public Health: Yoga and Meditation for Prevention

Author(s): Mihaela Dragomir / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2023

Keywords: yoga; meditation; mindfulness; public health; prevention; paradigm shift;

In all its paradigms, the ideal modern public health systems should have eradicated by now the spreading of the most fatal diseases, like cancer or cardiovascular disorders. Not only it has not, but these diseases are actually growing, showing the limits of the modern public health and the need of a paradigm shift. Using a narrative review, this paper aims to emphasize the limits of curative modern medicine and the benefits of yoga and meditation practices as prevention for the most common diseases, recognizing them as an important tool in public health systems. The relationship between yoga practice and the health status of individuals shows that they are strongly interdependent, being able to correct destructive behaviors and improve the quality of life. The spiritual practice of yoga is a way of restoring the “factory settings” by returning to essence, tradition, ancient knowledge and thus creating the mental and emotional environment for healing and thriving in human beings.