Mindfulness Meditation – It’s Not Nothing

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
KCA member Dr. Marie-Thérèse O’Neill, a recently retired clinical psychiatrist and part-time resident of Kingsburg, provided a compelling talk on the development and practice of mindfulness meditation, as well as her own journey that led to its incorporation in her mindfulness-based cognitive therapy practice.

Thérèse traced the development by biological scientist Jon Kabat-Zinn of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in the 1970s and its application in chronic pain and stress reduction.  

The philosophy behind the practice is that suffering and change are part of life and that nothing lasts forever. Through practice, over time and with a good understanding, individuals can learn a different relationship to thinking resulting in more emotional regulation, trust in themselves, self-compassion, gratitude, love and kindness. It can help to alleviate suffering in ourselves and beyond ourselves.

Following the talk, Dr. O’Neill guided participants on mindful walking. See her website for more information and resources on mindfulness meditation. You can also follow her on Instagram. — Heather McAllister