mindfulness has four key components that may account for its effects: attention regulation, body awareness, emotion regulation, and sense of self.

Together, these components help us attend to and deal with the mental and physiological effects of stress in ways that are non-judgmental, researchers said. Although the components are unique, they are closely intertwined.

For example, improvement in attention regulation may help us be aware of our physiological state while body awareness, in turn, helps us to recognize the emotions we are experiencing.

A better understanding of the relationships between these components, and the brain mechanisms that underlie them, will allow clinicians to better prescribe mindfulness interventions for their patients.

Hölzel believes this framework underscores the point that mindfulness is not a vague cure-all. Indeed, successful practice of mindfulness meditation requires training and practice. As the technique is mastered, it has a distinct measurable effect on our subjective experiences, our behavior, and our brain function.

For more information about counseling and psychology, check out my site at RMarcAndrews.com