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Editor's Note

In contemporary mind-body literature, the terms “Mindfulness” and “Yoga” are sometimes used interchangeably, and other times are distinguished as distinct from one another. In this issue, JAYS seeks to elucidate the intersection and distinction of the use of these terms in modern scholarship.

To begin, we differentiate between mindfulness as a broad concept and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a specific program developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979. Mindfulness, as a concept, is pervasive in both the Buddhist and Yoga traditions as well as within modern psychological science. While definitions vary, mindfulness generally refers to a nonjudgmental, present-moment awareness of thoughts, sensations, emotions, and experiences. It is, therefore, a foundational principle in Yoga.

In contrast, MBSR is a secularized adaptation of traditional Buddhist Vipassana meditation, created by Dr. Kabat-Zinn to address stress and mental health issues. Due to its widespread popularity, many articles conflate the general term “mindfulness” with MBSR, often implying that “Mindfulness” is distinct from “Yoga.”

In publishing this note with the article "Impact of For-Credit Mindfulness Course on Student Resilience, Engagement, and Mental Health", JAYS seeks to address this conflation and provide greater clarity on mindfulness as a concept that is foundational to both Yoga and MBSR.

Abstract

This paper highlights the impact of a university for-credit introductory mindfulness course. Research compiled from student reflections, surveys, and interviews revealed that it had a notable impact on personal growth and development, including the capacity to navigate challenges, manage difficult emotions, and build resilience. This enhanced student learning, decision making, engagement, and connection to themselves, others, and the world around them. Course pedagogy and curriculum are included here alongside a narrative account of student experiences in the course. These findings indicate a promising practice for schools to include well-being supports in the student experience.

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