Changing the habits of a lifetime? Mindfulness meditation and habitual geographies

Lea, J., Cadman, L. and Philo, C. (2015) Changing the habits of a lifetime? Mindfulness meditation and habitual geographies. Cultural Geographies, 22(1), pp. 49-65. (doi: 10.1177/1474474014536519)

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Abstract

Mindfulness meditation (in the context of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy) is a reflexive practice that seeks to reduce suffering in the form of depression, anxiety and stress. Through a variety of techniques, mindfulness meditation aims to cultivate awareness of the participant’s current experience (notably their thoughts and feelings), as well as an attitude of non-judgement towards this experience. Via Crossley’s (2001) account of the relation between habits and the development of a self-reflexive stance, the paper develops an understanding of agency as distributed across body, mind and context, and which is not fixed in time or space. Drawing on in-depth interviews carried out with students and teachers of mindfulness meditation, the paper analyses the role of dialogue in the practice, and situates it within the wider routines of the participant’s everyday lives.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Philo, Professor Christopher and Lea, Dr Jennifer
Authors: Lea, J., Cadman, L., and Philo, C.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Cultural Geographies
Publisher:Sage Publications Ltd.
ISSN:1474-4740
ISSN (Online):1477-0881

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