Did you know that mindfulness didn’t originate as a stress management technique?
Myth: Mindfulness was invented by modern psychologists.
Truth: Mindfulness has its roots in ancient contemplative traditions, but modern psychologists helped popularize it.
Mindfulness has become one of the most popular well-being practices in the world.
It’s taught in schools, recommended by therapists, and is available at the touch of a button through apps and online courses.
But where does it come from?
Although mindfulness is often associated with Buddhism, its roots span thousands of years and draw on contemplative practices from a range of cultural, philosophical, and spiritual traditions.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the history and origins of mindfulness, its entry into the West, and the benefits and criticisms of modern mindfulness.
Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our five positive psychology tools for free. These engaging, science-based exercises will help you effectively deal with difficult circumstances and give you the tools to improve the resilience of your clients, students, or employees.
The roots of mindfulness stretch much wider and further back than many people realize. It’s often associated with Buddhism, and it’s true that Buddhist traditions have preserved and developed mindfulness practices for more than 2,500 years (Trousselard et al., 2014).
However, the underlying principles of mindfulness, such as present-moment awareness, focused attention, and nonjudgmental observation, can be found across many cultures and philosophical traditions (Trousselard et al., 2014). For example:
Some of the earliest references to contemplative awareness and focused attention appear in the Hindu Upanishads, written around 1500 BCE.
Around 600 BCE, Buddhist traditions developed meditation practices aimed at cultivating awareness of thoughts, emotions, and sensations without getting caught up in them, such as samatha (vigilant attention) and vipassana (insight).
Taoist traditions had similar breath-focused practices to develop present awareness.
Elements of contemplative attention can also be found in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic spiritual practices like prayer, reflection, and focused awareness.
Western writers and philosophers, such as Michel de Montaigne in the 16th century and Martin Heidegger in the 19th century, examined being fully aware of the present moment.
Despite their differences, these traditions shared a common observation: The mind is easily distracted and pulled away from the present. We spend much of our lives caught up in memories, worries, plans, judgments, assumptions, and automatic reactions (Trousselard et al., 2014).
Across these traditions, mindfulness emerged as a way of training attention so people could notice their experiences more consciously rather than reacting automatically.
Importantly, it’s both a practice and a state of awareness. Mindfulness itself is the quality of paying attention to present-moment experience with openness and curiosity. Activities such as meditation, mindful movement, or breathing exercises cultivate mindfulness.
How Mindfulness Entered the West
Mindfulness is a common and established well-being practice in the West today, but how did it get here?
Eastern philosophies and contemplative practices gradually entered the West during the late 19th and 20th centuries, owing to the work of spiritual teachers, scholars, and practitioners (De Michelis, 2004).
For example, Swami Vivekananda introduced Hindu philosophy and meditation to Western audiences after the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago (De Michelis, 2004). In the 1920s, Yogananda’s teachings helped popularize meditation and yoga in the United States.
In more recent times, one of the most influential teachers has been Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen monk. His books and teachings presented mindfulness as a practical way of bringing awareness, compassion, and presence into everyday life (Hanh, 1976).
A significant turning point came in 1979 when Jon Kabat-Zinn founded the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program. While it was based on his training in Buddhist meditation, including the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, Kabat-Zinn (2003) deliberately removed much of the religious language and integrated it with Western medicine and psychology.
This was transformative because it demonstrated that mindfulness could be studied, measured, and applied in health care settings. Presenting mindfulness in a secular, evidence-based framework made it accessible to people from diverse cultural, religious, and nonreligious backgrounds.
Although the growing popularity of mindfulness has been influenced by many teachers and organizations, the development of MBSR has been widely regarded as the catalyst that brought mindfulness into mainstream Western culture (Trousselard et al., 2014).
Download 5 Free Positive Psychology Tools
Start thriving today with 5 free tools grounded in the science of positive psychology.
Download Tools
How Mindfulness Became Mainstream in Western Culture
When I decided to explore mindfulness for my bachelor’s thesis in 2013, it felt rather progressive. Thankfully, there was already a huge amount of research I could draw on, dating back to the introduction of MBSR in the 1970s.
By the early 2000s, mindfulness-based interventions had already attracted growing attention from researchers and health care providers, with studies exploring their potential benefits for a range of mental and physical health conditions (Baer, 2003).
As research expanded, it was incorporated into several evidence-based psychological interventions, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to manage recurrent depression (Segal et al., 2002).
Elements of mindfulness were also included in other therapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy (Hayes et al., 2006) and dialectical behavior therapy (Linehan, 1993).
Over time, mindfulness programs have been integrated into a wide range of settings, such as schools, workplaces, and health care, to support emotional well-being, attention, and a variety of biopsychosocial conditions (Zhang et al., 2021).
Today, a myriad of books, podcasts, online courses, and apps have made mindfulness accessible to millions of people (Van Dam et al., 2018). It’s taught and practiced across cultures and contexts and is a widely recognized well-being practice.
Mindfulness Today: Benefits and Criticisms
As mindfulness has become more popular, researchers and practitioners have increasingly noted the benefits of mindfulness and its limitations.
According to research (Zhang et al., 2021), mindfulness may:
Help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress
Improve emotional resilience and regulation when facing difficult experiences
Support the management of chronic pain and long-term health conditions
Increase self-awareness and prosocial behavior
Be delivered in a variety of settings, including schools, workplaces, health care services, and online platforms
Some common criticisms of modern mindfulness include the following (Purser, 2019; Van Dam et al., 2018):
Mindfulness is sometimes marketed as a quick fix for stress, neglecting the fact that it requires regular practice and realistic expectations.
The benefits of mindfulness are sometimes exaggerated, creating unrealistic expectations.
It’s not a universal solution and doesn’t benefit everyone, yet it is sometimes marketed that way.
The term “McMindfulness” has been used to describe how mindfulness has been repackaged as a marketable self-improvement tool, placing responsibility on individuals to manage stress without addressing the broader conditions that cause it.
A Take-Home Message
The growing popularity of mindfulness has undoubtedly helped millions of people to improve their mental and physical well-being. And while its benefits are supported by modern scientific research, its foundations lie in centuries of contemplative practices and reflection.
It’s important to remember that mindfulness is more than a technique for relaxation and productivity. At its heart, it’s about cultivating greater awareness of our internal and external experiences so we can live more consciously and intentionally.
What’s next?
Continue on your journey of understanding and appreciating mindfulness by reading a thoughtful book. We share numerous suggestions on the best mindfulness books for your goals in our sister article. Alternatively, you may want to investigate the differences between mindfulness and meditation.
Mindfulness wasn’t invented by a single person. Variations of present-moment awareness practices have existed across different cultures and traditions for thousands of years. However, it’s most commonly associated with Buddhist traditions, where it’s been taught and developed for over 2,500 years.
Is mindfulness a religious practice?
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be a religious practice, although it has roots in spiritual traditions such as Buddhism. Many modern mindfulness programs are taught without religious language or affiliation. That means it can be practiced by anyone regardless of their cultural or religious background.
References
Baer, R. A. (2003). Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 125–143.
De Michelis, E. (2004). A history of modern yoga: Patanjali and Western esotericism. Continuum.
Hanh, T. N. (1976). The miracle of mindfulness: A manual on meditation. Beacon Press.
Hayes, S. C., Luoma, J. B., Bond, F. W., Masuda, A., & Lillis, J. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: Model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2005.06.006
Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144–156. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.bpg016
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.
Purser, R. E. (2019). McMindfulness: How mindfulness became the new capitalist spirituality. Repeater Books.
Segal, Z. V., Williams, J. M. G., & Teasdale, J. D. (2002). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: A new approach to preventing relapse. Guilford Press.
Trousselard, M., Steiler, D., Claverie, D., Canini, F. (2014). The history of mindfulness put to the test of current scientific data: Unresolved questions. Encephale-Revue de Psychiatrie Clinique Biologique et Therapeutique, 40(6), 474–480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.encep.2014.08.006
Van Dam, N. T., van Vugt, M. K., Vago, D. R., Schmalzl, L., Saron, C. D., Olendzki, A., Meissner, T., Lazar, S. W., Kerr, C. E., Gorchov, J., Fox, K. C. R., Field, B. A., Britton, W. B., Brefczynski-Lewis, J. A., & Meyer, D. E. (2018). Mind the hype: A critical evaluation and prescriptive agenda for research on mindfulness and meditation. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 13(1), 36–61. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617709589
Zhang, D., Lee, E. K. P., Mak, E. C. W., Ho, C. Y., & Wong, S. Y. S. (2021). Mindfulness-based interventions: An overall review. British Medical Bulletin, 138(1), 41–57. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldab005
About the author
Anna Drescher, is a mental health writer and editor with a background in psychology and psychotherapy. In addition to her writing and editorial work, Anna is a certified hypnotherapist and meditation teacher. She has extensive experience working within the mental health sector in various roles including support work, managing a service user involvement and coproduction project, and working as an assistant psychologist within the NHS in England.
How useful was this article to you?
Not useful at all
Very useful
Share this article:
Article feedback
Comments
What our readers think
Victoria Rivers
on February 3, 2025 at 16:20
This section explains how mindfulness traveled from the East to the West. It was mainly because of people like Jon Kabat-Zinn, who created programs based on mindfulness and science. Also, organizations like the Insight Meditation Society played a big role in spreading mindfulness meditation.
I think Christian readers should understand that mindfullness is not a Christian practice and goes against Christian teachings. As Christians we are instructed to examine all things but not practice other religions or bow to other gods. Hinduism and Buddhism is the worship of other gods, with “mindfulness “ being the way to connect to these other spirits. Not surprisingly, the practitioners of mindfulness are almost universally false Christians or blatantly anti-christian. I accept that other religions exist, but dislike how they look to disguise themselves and deceive. That is however typical of their originator.
Mindless Christians?! That is very sad.
There is evidence that Christian mystics practiced mindfulness/meditation. Check out the book titled “Christian Mystics: 365 Readings and Meditations” written by Mathew Fox.
I hear you. For me, all points of view are valid. I am a practicing Buddhist and for me Buddhism is not a religion; rather a philosophy.
Seeing life as “right and wrong” has limited me and I now notice when this is occurring. Keeping
myself open to the present has brought me much joy and aliveness.
Can you open your heart to hear my experience without judgment?
In peace and harmony, Mariana
Buddhism doesn’t believe in a creator God. It is wrong to say Buddhism is based on other Gods. So please educate yourself. Buddhism is not based on a belief system. People like you will say “Buddhism is godless. Buddhism is a way of life. Buddhists need to practice kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity. My name will indicate that I’m not anglo.
No where in the Bible does it say mindfulness is against the religion. You are choosing to believe. Goes against your faith when it can be a spiritual thing or a psychological one as listed in the article. Researches have proven mindfulness in positive psychology. I am Buddhist and we don’t worship other gods , so please educate yourself . I am not at all anti Christian , I respect all Beliefs . You are very close minded and it’s sad to see such people in this generation like this still.
of lives if we choose to look at it with a non-judgemental attitude. In short, this has nothing to do with Christianity, be flexible. I can tell you about the real worship of other gods if you come to my email.
I am a Buddhist and NO, we don’t have any god, we don’t worship any god.
In fact Buddhism denies the existence of God and spirits.
We only believe in humanity.
Don’t know what kind of Christian you are, it’s ridiculous to speak things that don’t even exist.
I am a big fan of Thich Nhat Thanh. Loved the video of seeing him. Am now goint to practice washing the dishes as he described. I also love the colourful pictures as I find them good for meditating.
As a student of mindfulness I found this article extremely helpful, and I intend to re-read Kabbat- Zinn as a starting point in my efforts to develop a more mindful life. Thank you so much.
Thank you Joaquin for sharing this information. I think you did a great job putting this together for the readers. It’s to the point and clear. If readers want to find deeper info on certain points – there’s plenty of information out there that can further elaborate.
Hi Xo,
Glad you enjoyed the article. Yes, there’s certainly plenty more to read in books and on the web. For more reading, we have a free mindfulness toolkit available for download here which might be of interest to you.
– Nicole | Community Manager
I am not a graduate or student of any training programme but a student of My Mindfulness Domain. I am 67 years old and my life experience has imposed on me the inevitable unhealthy stress mode and needing to please others scenarios. At this stageI my life l am desperately wanting to take this journey of discovery so by starting from scratch l will become connected and discover what is right for me. Therefore this article is a useful stepping stone in my humble understanding of the origins and expansion of Mindfulness in the West.
I’m a graduate of MBSR Jon Kabat Zinn, Saki Santorelli and Thich Natch Hann were my teacher’s . You’ve downplayed their groundbreaking work in this article and your reason for doing so is not clear. They begain exploring the mind body connection while doing a practicum at a Boston hospital. The Cambridge center for meditation played an important role for expanding their practice. From the stress reduction and relaxation program they began to teach unique populations of people from all walks of life. It’s really impossible to downplay their role in the practice of mindfulness meditation. Without Jon kabat-zinn, Thach Natch Hann, Saki Santorelli and Florence, there wouldn’t be mindfulness anywhere.
jon kabat zinn is a great promoter of mindfulness as he started using it to cure patients with MBSR mindfulness based stress reduction; as they were not improving despite the same illness and medication, at the clinic in massachusetts i believe in the early 70’s
Mindfulness has become one of the most popular well-being practices in the world.
Mindfulness is a common and established well-being practice in the West today, but how did it get here?
As mindfulness has become more popular, researchers and practitioners have increasingly noted the 
What our readers think
This section explains how mindfulness traveled from the East to the West. It was mainly because of people like Jon Kabat-Zinn, who created programs based on mindfulness and science. Also, organizations like the Insight Meditation Society played a big role in spreading mindfulness meditation.
I think Christian readers should understand that mindfullness is not a Christian practice and goes against Christian teachings. As Christians we are instructed to examine all things but not practice other religions or bow to other gods. Hinduism and Buddhism is the worship of other gods, with “mindfulness “ being the way to connect to these other spirits. Not surprisingly, the practitioners of mindfulness are almost universally false Christians or blatantly anti-christian. I accept that other religions exist, but dislike how they look to disguise themselves and deceive. That is however typical of their originator.
Mindless Christians?! That is very sad.
There is evidence that Christian mystics practiced mindfulness/meditation. Check out the book titled “Christian Mystics: 365 Readings and Meditations” written by Mathew Fox.
Dear Cristina,
I hear you. For me, all points of view are valid. I am a practicing Buddhist and for me Buddhism is not a religion; rather a philosophy.
Seeing life as “right and wrong” has limited me and I now notice when this is occurring. Keeping
myself open to the present has brought me much joy and aliveness.
Can you open your heart to hear my experience without judgment?
In peace and harmony, Mariana
Compassionate
I don’t think Jesus would feel the same.
Buddhism doesn’t believe in a creator God. It is wrong to say Buddhism is based on other Gods. So please educate yourself. Buddhism is not based on a belief system. People like you will say “Buddhism is godless. Buddhism is a way of life. Buddhists need to practice kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity. My name will indicate that I’m not anglo.
No where in the Bible does it say mindfulness is against the religion. You are choosing to believe. Goes against your faith when it can be a spiritual thing or a psychological one as listed in the article. Researches have proven mindfulness in positive psychology. I am Buddhist and we don’t worship other gods , so please educate yourself . I am not at all anti Christian , I respect all Beliefs . You are very close minded and it’s sad to see such people in this generation like this still.
of lives if we choose to look at it with a non-judgemental attitude. In short, this has nothing to do with Christianity, be flexible. I can tell you about the real worship of other gods if you come to my email.
I am a Buddhist and NO, we don’t have any god, we don’t worship any god.
In fact Buddhism denies the existence of God and spirits.
We only believe in humanity.
Don’t know what kind of Christian you are, it’s ridiculous to speak things that don’t even exist.
Not true. There are many divine beings or spirits in all major schools of Buddhism. Try actually reading the suttas before you make blanket statements
I am a big fan of Thich Nhat Thanh. Loved the video of seeing him. Am now goint to practice washing the dishes as he described. I also love the colourful pictures as I find them good for meditating.
As a student of mindfulness I found this article extremely helpful, and I intend to re-read Kabbat- Zinn as a starting point in my efforts to develop a more mindful life. Thank you so much.
Thank you Joaquin for sharing this information. I think you did a great job putting this together for the readers. It’s to the point and clear. If readers want to find deeper info on certain points – there’s plenty of information out there that can further elaborate.
Hi Xo,
Glad you enjoyed the article. Yes, there’s certainly plenty more to read in books and on the web. For more reading, we have a free mindfulness toolkit available for download here which might be of interest to you.
– Nicole | Community Manager
hey great way to be mindfull about all of these things
I am not a graduate or student of any training programme but a student of My Mindfulness Domain. I am 67 years old and my life experience has imposed on me the inevitable unhealthy stress mode and needing to please others scenarios. At this stageI my life l am desperately wanting to take this journey of discovery so by starting from scratch l will become connected and discover what is right for me. Therefore this article is a useful stepping stone in my humble understanding of the origins and expansion of Mindfulness in the West.
I’m a graduate of MBSR Jon Kabat Zinn, Saki Santorelli and Thich Natch Hann were my teacher’s . You’ve downplayed their groundbreaking work in this article and your reason for doing so is not clear. They begain exploring the mind body connection while doing a practicum at a Boston hospital. The Cambridge center for meditation played an important role for expanding their practice. From the stress reduction and relaxation program they began to teach unique populations of people from all walks of life. It’s really impossible to downplay their role in the practice of mindfulness meditation. Without Jon kabat-zinn, Thach Natch Hann, Saki Santorelli and Florence, there wouldn’t be mindfulness anywhere.
jon kabat zinn is a great promoter of mindfulness as he started using it to cure patients with MBSR mindfulness based stress reduction; as they were not improving despite the same illness and medication, at the clinic in massachusetts i believe in the early 70’s