title: Dancing Mindfulness: A Phenomenological Investigation of the Emerging Practice.
abstract: An extensive review of both quantitative and qualitative literature reveals numerous connections between mindfulness practice and psychological well-being. Dancing Mindfulness, as a holistic wellness practice, is a creative approach to mindfulness meditation that draws on dance as the vehicle for engaging in the ancient practice characterized by non-judgment, loving kindness, and present-centered awareness. Of the first participants who learned the Dancing Mindfulness practice in a community-based setting, 10 shared their lived experience with the practice, and these experiences were analyzed using A.P. Giorgi׳s descriptive phenomenological psychological method. As a collective sample, the women described positive experiences with the Dancing Mindfulness practice. Specific themes indicated improvements in emotional and spiritual well-being, increased acceptance, positive changes to the self, and increased application of mindfulness techniques and strategies to real-world living. Another thematic area suggested that dancing and music are the two major components of action within Dancing Mindfulness leading to these benefits.
authors.affiliation: Mindful Ohio & The Institute for Creative Mindfulness, 1377 Springwood Trace SE, Warren, OH 44484. Electronic address: info@mindfulohio.com.
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Marich
authors.affiliation: The University of Akron, Department of Counseling, Akron, OH.
authors.forename: Terra
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Howell
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D003615:Dancing; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D019122:Meditation; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D064866:Mindfulness; D009146:Music; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D029181:Spirituality; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Dance; body awareness; bodyfulness; mindfulness; phenomenology; wellness