The Role of Mindfulness in Enhancing Sport Performance [Video]

Mindfulness was described by ‘Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to Happiness’ author James Baraz, as: “simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t)”.

It is a practice founded in ancient Asian culture, specifically in the Buddhist community with it being a part of the Buddha’s Eightfold Path leading to Nirvana. Because of this association, western media has previously presented a stereotypical and misconceived version of mindfulness practices, often depicting them as mystical and religious rather than practical exercises which have been passed down generations for 2500 years.

For the last 100 years or so, studies on mindfulness and its benefits have played a crucial role in the Western adoption of these practices. Since the Enlightenment movement of the …