mindful UT

mindful UT is a resource for mindfulness-related opportunities and programs at UT Austin. mindful UT promotes student mental health through mindfulness-based classes, workshops and trainings.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness has been defined in a variety of ways all describing present moment awareness. This definition from Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, is one we use. "Mindfulness is paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally; or in other words, knowing what you're doing while you're doing it."

Acknowledging the Roots of Mindfulness

Mindfulness and meditation are associated with many religions and cultural traditions. Beginning in the 1960s, Buddhist mindfulness practices were adapted by a group of practitioners in the U.S. to measure psychological interventions that enhance well-being. Mindfulness can be beneficial to individuals regardless of religious or cultural affiliation.

Acknowledging the Roots of Yoga

Yoga was developed as a spiritual, mental and physical practice within the South Asian subcontinent 2,500-5,000 years ago. The practice of yoga was introduced to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to enhance well-being.

History of Mindfulness at UT

Mindfulness-based programming has been implemented and utilized at UT Austin for decades through the Counseling and Mental Health Center, University Health Services, Integrated Health Program and faculty members across various colleges, schools and units.