Mindfulness-based teaching and learning program at UFV sets the gold standard in Canada
Statistics Canada reported that Canadian mental health has worsened considerably in the last year. Almost a quarter of participants in a 2020 Stats Canada online questionnaire reported their mental health as “poor” or “fair,” tripling the number of participants reporting “poor” mental health compared to a 2018 Canadian Community Health survey. Mindfulness-based therapies and practices can be explored as a means to improve mental health.
What is mindfulness?
The concept of “mindfulness” is derived from “sati,” an important element of Buddhist practices and traditions, and is also based on Asian meditation techniques. In essence, mindfulness is a way of paying attention to whatever is happening in the moment, in our lives, internally or externally. Being present in the moment allows connection to and awareness of behaviours, emotions, habits, and thoughts.