Introduction to the Special Issue on Phenomenology and Mindfulness

Abstract

This special issue collects papers that explore the relationship between phenomenology and mindfulness with the goal of creating a fruitful dialogue between these two traditions, so as to bring into relief the overlaps and incongruities, exploring historical as well as systematic connections. Both phenomenology and mindfulness are inclusively construed: the former (phenomenology) is understood as an umbrella term that includes philosophers and approaches that follow directly from Brentano’s and Husserl’s phenomenological discoveries. For this reason, the issue will focus on phenomenology as a method as well as a philosophical approach with a major emphasis on Husserl’s, Heidegger’s, and Merleau-Ponty’s approach. The latter (mindfulness) includes a wide range of conceptions of mindfulness, from Buddhist-inspired strands of meditation practices and theories to Stoic-inspired. The journal issue takes into consideration the potential benefits that such a theme would have to clinical psychology by exploring the existing connection between mindfulness, well-being, and self-exploration. In particular, in this special issue we will point out how the phenomenological approach to mindfulness can help to further the understanding of such notions as “attention,” “authenticity,” “time,” “dignity,” and more.