Cultivating Well-Being through the Three Pillars of Mind Training: Understanding How Training the Mind Improves Physiological and Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

Research on the physiological and emotional health benefits of meditative practices has grown exponentially over the last two decades, influencing both scientific literature and popular media. Research has highlighted three distinct components or pillars at the core of meditative practices and mind training. They are, focused attention, open awareness, and kind intention. Neuroimaging studies and recent research highlight that the repeated practice of directing attention and awareness can enhance neural connections, and turn momentary mindful states into more enduring mindful traits. Most meditative practices typically only engage one or two of these elements, and there has been no identified meditative practice that integrates all three pillars that we are aware of, except for a concept referred to as the “Wheel of Awareness”. The Wheel is a practical framework for understanding and practicing mindful awareness, and is unusual because it engages all three pillars in one practice, shaping how energy and information flow from one component to the next one. Through conscious practice individuals can improve the ability to observe and reflect on the mind, increasing the ability to monitor and modify neural networks, which in turn modulate physiological responses within the body. Further research is proposed to further understand the neurobiological underpinnings behind repeated practice, including longitudinal studies monitoring neuroplasticity and activity in establishing new neural connections and synaptic changes.