A Four-Dimensional Model of Mindfulness and Its Implications for Health

This article introduces a four-field model of mindfulness training and discusses its implications for health. Through the pioneering work of Kabat-Zinn and others, a vast amount of research has been conducted regarding both physical and mental mindfulness; as such, it is generally these two dimensions that are relied upon for intervention by health care professionals. While certainly a sign of progress, this article proposes that the essential next step in mindfulness training is to involve the less known social and existential dimensions as well. Indeed, it is herein argued that the addition of these two fields can serve to enhance the theory of resilience, the general promotion of human health, and the specific practice of mindfulness, especially as it relates to both group and meaning-of-life contexts. It is further argued that a more nuanced understanding of physical (a Western notion) and spiritual (an Eastern notion) mindfulness can be obtained by examining the interconnectedness of all four fields. The aim is to open the way toward a more broad, holistic, and altruistic approach to the practice of mindfulness as well as to encourage further research along these potentially productive lines.