There are 3 large scale neural networks in the brain that play a role in mindfulness. Neural networks consist of many interconnected neurons. These systems take input information, accumulate it, and then help us with certain processes. This brain function is similar to how computers function, different parts with different duties come together to form a whole. 


Interactions between 3 large scale neural networks  involved in mindfulness

Since mindfulness is a Buddhist practice, it emphasizes the well-being of the self from a holistic perspective. This is consistent with research that has been found stating that dispositional mindfulness influences physical health conditions such as pain, medical symptomatology, and functional quality of life, as well as, mental health. 

The Benefits of Dispositional Mindfulness in Physical Health 

The study of Dispositional Mindfulness within the lens of Neurobiology. In more specific terms, figuring out what brain functions correspond to the activation of Dispositional Mindfulness.

The Neurobiology of Dispositional Mindfulness

Trait mindfulness is centered around the idea of living in the present moment. It emphasizes living a nonjudgemental life, and it can also refer to the level of mindfulness experienced by a person during everyday activities. 

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Mindfulness-based interventions for addiction are  thought to work upon the dysregulation of cognitive processes caused by substance abuse. The usage of mindfulness techniques such as body scan, mindful breathing, and informal mindfulness can work upon certain biological and behavioral mechanisms involved in addiction.  

Therapeutic Mechanisms of Mindfulness as a Treatment for Addiction

- Metacognitive Practice
- Mindful Metacognition
- Mindful Attention
- Trait/Dispositional Mindfulness
- Intentional Mindfulness
- Contemplative practices

Alternate Definitions of Mindfulness

Marusak HA, Elrahal F, Peters CA, Kundu P, Lombardo MV, Calhoun VD, Goldberg EK, Cohen C, Taub JW, Rabinak CA. Mindfulness and dynamic functional neural connectivity in children and adolescents. Behav Brain Res. 2018 Jan 15;336:211-218. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.09.010.

Mindfulness and dynamic functional neural connectivity in children and
adolescents

Murphy, M., et al. (2012) The Benefits of Dispositional Mindfulness in Physical Health: A Longitudinal Study of Female College Students. Journal of American College Health. 

The Benefits of Dispositional Mindfulness in Physical Health: A Longitudinal Study of Female College Students 

The restructuring-reward hypothesis postulates that mindfulness decreases the saliency of addictive behavior by encouraging the mind to value things that were rewarding pre-addiction (as opposed to drugs). 

Restructuring Reward Hypothesis

There is a strong association between stress and addiction. Therefore mindfulness-based interventions often focus on targeting stress reactivity in order to improve symptoms related to addictive behaviors. 

Stress Reactivity

There are many different techniques one can use during formal meditation, including:

- Body scan
- Yoga
- Breath awareness
- Open Monitoring

Formal Meditation Skills

A distinct line of inquiry with the goal of understanding which systems of the brain are activated during mindfulness practice to determine the effects that both short and long-term practice has on brain function and structure.

Neurobiology of Mindfulness

Trait/Dispositional Mindfulness

Metacognitive practice understands mindfulness to be a metacognitive process that is able to increase one’s ability to control their response to a situation, but mindfulness is dependent on context and specific beliefs of the person.  Metacognitive practice is a conceptualization of mindfulness coined by Ravi Kudesia and informed by metacognition and practice theory. 

Metacognitive Practice (Mindfulness)

Metacognitive awareness is the acknowledgement that one's thoughts are only thoughts, and they may not be facts. When used as a definition of mindfulness, it is called mindful metacognition, and conceptualizes mindfulness as an information processing style.

Mindful Metacognition/Metacognitive Awareness

This definition of mindfulness frames it as an information processing style, defined as intentionally keeping your attention on a current thought, rather than allowing your mind to spiral into different judgements or predictions. 

Mindful attention

This definition of mindfulness frames it as an information processing style, defined as continuously making distinctions between a current situation and past situations in order to be more aware of the uniqueness of the current situation.

Mindful conceptualizing

Intentional Mindfulness is simply conscious mindfulness practice. Any practice that involves consciously understanding the present moment in any and all aspects is considered Intentional Mindfulness. 

Intentional Mindfulness

These are activities that are structured and require those that participate to be able to master both their mental and physical activity. It can also be described as mindful meditative practices.

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