A blanket term used to describe the various sub-process that underlie an individual's ability to direct internal awareness of various external stimuli. Examples include "alerting" (becoming aware of stimuli entering one's conscious attention), "conflict monitoring" (mitigating disctraction), and "sustained attention" (the ability to maintain singular focus for an extended period of time).

Attention in Mindfulness

People who practice mindfulness have shown to be more attentive, such as with attentional functioning.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Villanova University

- Increased ability to concentrate
- Increased cognitive flexibility
- Increased focus
- Enhanced working memory capacity
- Changed relationship with one's thoughts

Cognitive Goals and Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation

Davis, D. M., & Hayes, J. A. (2011). What are the benefits of mindfulness? A practice review of psychotherapy-related research. Psychotherapy, 48(2), 198–208. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022062

What are the benefits of mindfulness

Working memory capacity is a psychological characteristic that refers to an individual's ability to simultaneously hold and process multiple pieces of information in their mind. In cognitive psychology, this capacity can be quantified using systematic measurement procedures.

Working Memory Capacity

Mindfulness and Focus

After learning and utilizing the skill of self-observation during mindfulness practices, there is a deactivation of  pathways in the brain that were created by prior learning. In turn, this enables the incorporation of input in the present moment to be received in a new way. Additionally, mindfulness meditation can lead to a faster recovery after facing anxiety inducing stimuli. 

Mindfulness and Cognitive flexibility 

Instead of changing the thoughts in the individual's mind, mindfulness meditation aims to separate the person from the constant flow of thoughts happening in their head. As a result, the individual no longer experiences repetitive, ruminating thoughts.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After