Biologic effects of mindfulness meditation: growing insights into neurobiologic aspects of the prevention of depression

Mindfulness has been described as "paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgementally." 5 In contrast to traditional cognitive behavioural therapy in which dysfunctional thoughts are targeted, the objective of MBCT is to help individuals learn, at times, to become aware of thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations rather than trying to modify them or acting on them.