What is a core principle of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction?

Practicing informal attention and awareness is indeed a core principle of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). This approach emphasizes the significance of being present and fully engaged in the moment, not just during formal meditation sessions but also during daily activities. Informal mindfulness can be applied to simple tasks such as eating, walking, or even washing dishes, allowing individuals to develop greater awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations in everyday life.

This principle supports the overarching goal of MBSR, which is to cultivate a non-judgmental awareness that helps individuals manage stress and enhance their overall well-being. By integrating mindfulness into daily routines, individuals can enhance their capacity to respond to challenges with greater clarity and calmness, rather than being reactive.

In contrast, engaging only in formal meditation limits mindfulness practice to specific times and contexts, while declining to reflect between stimulus and response overlooks the development of awareness that mindfulness seeks to foster. Minimizing the importance of group activities disregards the communal aspect of MBSR, which can provide shared experiences that enhance learning and support during the mindfulness journey.