Practising mindfulness can help us through the coronavirus pandemic

We seem to have mastered the perfect recipe for chaos: a global ecological emergency, humanitarian crises and to top it off, a pandemic of epic proportions. Where do we begin to make sense

of the current times? Or more importantly, how can we move towards a positive systemic shift that leaves no one behind? How about taking a breath? Mindfulness, a once-traditional Buddhist

practice has become a normalized part of secular society and is lauded by many health and wellness authorities. It is now found in many public spaces such as schools, politics, military

units and hospitals. Increasingly, researchers are finding new applications and interventions for mindfulness practices to enhance individual well-being, including the reduction of stress,

anxiety and depression. While these have demonstrated promise for improving numerous aspects of human health, little research has explored the potential benefits for mindfulness to

contribute to collective well-being, especially during times of widespread crisis. ------------------------- _ READ MORE: DEALING WITH THE ABSURDITY OF HUMAN EXISTENCE IN THE FACE OF

CONVERGING CATASTROPHES _ ------------------------- My research has found that mindfulness can be used to advance not only individual wellness, but depending on the practice and its

application, a broader sustainability agenda as well. This relatively unexplored means of supporting sustainability progress has immense value to offer in times of crisis, particularly

COVID-19. MINDFULNESS AND COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has surfaced many deep sustainability concerns. What it has also emphasized is our too-often mindless ways of being that have

resulted in deep inequities and an exploitative relationship with the biosphere. Researchers have found that mindfulness practice can increase compassion and empathy, which are essential

traits for supporting both individual and collective resilience. And as social distancing and quarantine measures keep us physically separate and yearning for connection, the role of

mindfulness in nurturing feelings of interconnectedness and reducing risk factors for loneliness and isolation has become increasingly important. Mindfulness has also been found to deepen

connection to nature, and even heighten recognition of climate change. Together, this understanding and commitment to well-being for all are critical processes to mitigate our current

unsustainable ways of being and doing. Since mindfulness has been found to reduce consumerism and promote more sustainable consumption habits, it supports a path for tackling large

sustainability challenges. FIRST RESPONDERS AND FRONTLINE WORKERS Additionally, for first responders who are facing likely unprecedented high levels of chronic stress as a result of

COVID-19, mindfulness can also help reduce compassion fatigue and workplace burnout. Furthermore, in light of the current tension between police and civilians, mindfulness may also offer

benefit in addressing inequalities as it has been found to reduce aggression in law enforcement officers. Despite the numerous potential benefits of mindfulness, finding effective ways to

leverage these practices, while also recognizing some of their drawbacks and limitations remains an ongoing challenge. DRAWBACKS OF MINDFULNESS To increase marketability, mindfulness has

been largely separated from its Buddhist roots. In the process, many of the traditional moral and ethical elements of the practice have been replaced with a more individualized and often

self-serving agenda. Business ventures that target high-spending and elite consumers, including Google, Apple and Nike have capitalized on this niche in the wellness market. Mindfuness is a

profitable and growing multi-billion dollar industry. Mindfulness practices that reinforce a notion of self as separate from the rest of nature and society can risk missing many benefits of

traditional mindfulness practice. Similarly, by focusing exclusively on developing a heightened awareness of self, mindfulness practitioners can fail to see the consequences of their

behaviours. Individualized mindfulness practices that are preoccupied with enhancing pleasure and enjoyment, as opposed to ending suffering, can inadvertently encourage materialism and

selfishness. A MINDFUL FUTURE Rather than advancing narrow neoliberal and capitalistic agendas by leveraging mindfulness as a productivity hack, product or service, mindful practice could

enhance both individual and collective well-being while supporting broader sustainability progress. For this to be conceived and pursued, the ways by which we define, practice, and apply

mindfulness need to be re-examined, and in some cases, transformed. One such transformation is the integration of mindfulness practices into peace-building initiatives in conflict areas. In

places such as refugee camps, mindfulness is used to support resilience building, while simultaneously fostering both individual and collective well-being. As our new reality unfolds under

the circumstances imposed by COVID-19, it continues to reveal further socio-ecological challenges. We will need to learn how to practise mindfulness wisely, in a manner that reduces

suffering for all beings, in both the present moment and the post-pandemic future.