Exploring the relationship between MBCT and spirituality

Mindfulness is a spiritual concept adopted from Buddhism by Western clinicians and while change processes in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) were initially explained in terms of cognitive/emotional impacts, there is now growing interest in the relationship between mindfulness and spirituality. Seven participants who had completed an MBCT course in a mental health service context gave in-depth interviews about their experiences in relation to spiritual change, and the factors influencing these processes. The themes represented a range of interconnected processes, including connecting with the body, experiencing thoughts and feelings in a less reactive way, a changed perspective on the self, self-insight, a greater sense of compassion and connection, wisdom, a sense of meaning and a sense of connection to a transcendent source. For some, mindfulness helped create a context in which painful experiences could be brought into awareness, and unusual or difficult experiences integrated so that people could experience a deeper and more authentic way of being. While intentions seem to be important in mapping the particular aspects of change that occur, themes were common to people from a variety of spiritual backgrounds, and spiritual changes occurred in some people who had no prior spiritual orientations. The role of intentions versus ‘letting go’ in relation to mindfulness is explored. Clinical implications are discussed and suggestions made for future research.