The effect of continuous practice of mindfulness : Perspective of teaching the spirit of enjoying exercise

• Published in: Research Journal of JAPEW Vol. 38; pp. 15 - 30
• Main Author: ITO, Maki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Association of Physical Education for Women 2022; 公益社団法人 日本女子体育連盟
• Subjects: exercise instruction; MBSR; meditation; mental health; mindfulness; マインドフルネス; 心理的健康; 瞑想; 運動指導法
• ISSN: 1882-0980; 2185-3401
• DOI: 10.11206/japew.38.15

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects obtained by the continuous practice of mindfulness. 195 female university students practiced the sitting meditation method in the mindfulness. Then, in the 14th week, they answered the question freely, “Did your mental and physical condition change as a result of meditation?” As a result of content analysis, 5 categories were extracted. 1. Habituation of mindfulness, 2. Switching to class time, 3. Improvement of physical functions such as posture maintenance and breathing. 4. Improvement of psychological functions such as relaxation and improvement of concentration. 5. Changing the impression of meditation.Continued practice of mindfulness has led to improved physical and psychological functioning. In addition, it raised an attitude of practitioners to pay attention to what they perceive in their minds and bodies, which led to habits. As a result, it become possible to select the load appropriately in the exercise scene, and it is suggested that the feeling of enjoying exercise may promote not only physical health but also psychological health.