| This study explores the process through which experienced practitioners of the practice of mindfulness meditation integrate that practice into their daily lives.;Nine experienced meditators were selected as informants and interviewed at length. Through a qualitative analysis of their responses the author identifies a basic structure of the experience of meditation in daily life.;Research findings indicate that the actualization of the meditative stance in a person's life is guided by a powerful vision that is rooted in the world of values of the meditator. It also concludes that the continuous use of mindfulness meditation can lead to experiences of psychological and behavioral change, such as greater equanimity, self-trust, and self-mastery. It also finds that this type of meditation can be an effective tool of personal transformation within a Western life-style. However, it also identifies some possible attitudinal qualities that may be required from practitioners in order to successfully integrate mindfulness meditation into their daily lives.;Finally, suggestions for further research were made, particularly in those areas dealing with short term changes, long term changes, and general patterns of growth over time. More in depth analysis of essential themes, as well as further explorations on the impact of psychological, social, cultural, and organizational factors on the meditative experience were also suggested.;After an initial description of the author's experience with this meditation practice, this research discusses the psychology of the meditative experience and defines mindfulness meditation as the maintenance of a non judgmental present centered focus in a person's awareness. A review of contemporary reseach of the dissertation theme is presented, limitations of the study are identified and a qualitative framework of research is outlined and discussed. |
