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Living a Mindful Life: an Hermeneutic Phenomenological Inquiry Into the Lived Experience of Secular Mindfulness, Compassion and Insight

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Living a Mindful Life: an Hermeneutic Phenomenological Inquiry Into the Lived Experience of Secular Mindfulness, Compassion and Insight LIVING A MINDFUL LIFE: AN HERMENEUTIC PHENOMENOLOGICAL INQUIRY INTO THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SECULAR MINDFULNESS, COMPASSION AND INSIGHT _______________________________________________________________ A thesis presented for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen Jane Kellock Arnold MA (hons) in Philosophy and Psychology, University of Edinburgh (1985); MSW in Social Work, University of Edinburgh (1996) 1 DECLARATION I have composed this thesis myself. It is the record of my own work and it has not been presented to this or any other university in support of an application for any degree or professional qualification other than that of which I am now a candidate. Any personal data have been processed in accordance with the provision of the Data Protection Act (1998); all quotations have been distinguished by quotation marks and sources of information and help specifically acknowledged. Signed: ...................................................................... Jane Kellock Arnold Uphall, West Lothian, April 2018 2 ABSTRACT This research study explores the experience and effects of long-term practice by six student practitioners of secular mindfulness, compassion and insight forming the Mindfulness-Based Living model incorporated into the MSc in Mindfulness Studies at the University of Aberdeen. A review of existing literature on the topic of mindfulness highlights that research is predominantly postpositivist and quantitative in approach, only recently incorporating limited qualitative studies, and is focused chiefly on mindfulness as a treatment for a range of mental and physical disorders. However, the nature of mindfulness particularly when practised in conjunction with compassion and insight suggests that it is a more intense, complex, nuanced and pervasive experience than is reflected in the literature. An exploration of Buddhist and Western phenomenology highlights important parallels with contemporary secular mindfulness studies indicating, firstly, the value of an in-depth qualitative study capable of surfacing potentially transformative effects of the practice of mindfulness and related disciplines, and, secondly, the potential relevance of mindfulness to the praxis of phenomenological research. Towards these aims, this study utilises an hermeneutic phenomenological approach incorporating mindfulness approaches in its execution. The study takes a dialogical approach, intentionally surfacing the inherent dynamic between researcher and participant. Interview data were collected from participants on multiple occasions over durations of between seven and twelve months and are presented as rich narrative texts organised around emergent themes. Analysis indicates the occurrence of intense, embodied, authentic transcendental experiences that pervade day-to-day life and extend beyond a remedial effect. Researcher data indicate the usefulness of mindfulness to the practice of phenomenological research, supporting embodied interview and phenomenological reduction. The study highlights findings useful to the design of secular programmes and to further research, notably the incorporation of compassion and insight approaches, the centrality of embodiment, and the effects of long term practice on social cohesion. 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS With special thanks to the following people: The six participants who gave of their time willingly and enthusiastically, and whose life stories never fail to move me. My supervisors, Dr David McMurtry and Dr Graeme Nixon whose constant support and guidance kept me gratefully on track. The Mindfulness Association, in particular Heather Regan-Addis, for generous sponsorship and ongoing opportunities to share learning. Eveline King, aka The Wonderful Antique, whose enduring support and practical expertise ensured that this thesis was submitted within timescale. Kevin Sutton, Katriona Gillon and Iona Kellock – my lovely family – without whom I would be far adrift. Bo Kellock – om mani padme hung. 4 CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY ............................................................. 10 1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 10 1.2 Researcher Position ................................................................................................. 11 1.3 Outline of the Research Study ............................................................................... 12 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................. 15 PART 1 MINDFULNESS AND RELATED CONCEPTS................................................ 15 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 15 2.2 The Phenomenon of Mindfulness .......................................................................... 15 2.2.1. Buddhist Roots of Mindfulness ....................................................................... 15 2.2.2. The Emergence of a Secular Mindfulness.................................................... 17 2.3 Defining Mindfulness and Compassion ................................................................. 27 2.3.1. A Problem of Operational Definition .............................................................. 27 2.3.2. Introducing Lovingkindness and Compassion ............................................. 30 2.3.3. A Taxonomy of Secular Mindfulness ............................................................. 32 2.4 Nairn’s Psychology Of Meditation .......................................................................... 33 2.4.1. On Mindfulness ................................................................................................. 33 2.4.2. The Inclusion of Compassion, Insight and Wisdom .................................... 41 2.4.3. Defining Insight ................................................................................................. 43 2.4.4. Wisdom .............................................................................................................. 45 2.4.5. The Key Elements of Nairn’s Model of Insight ............................................. 46 2.5 Summary .................................................................................................................... 49 2.6 Researching Mindfulness ........................................................................................ 51 2.7 Current Body of Research....................................................................................... 54 2.7.1. Research Pointing to Attention and Acceptance ......................................... 55 2.7.2. Research on Compassion-Based, and blended Mindfulness- and Compassion-based Interventions .................................................................................. 57 2.7.3. Self-Compassion Research ............................................................................ 60 2.7.4. Taking a Qualitative Turn ................................................................................ 61 2.7.5. Turning Outwards ............................................................................................. 66 2.8 Summary .................................................................................................................... 68 PART 2 LOOKING THROUGH A PHENOMENOLOGICAL LENS ......................... 70 5 2.9 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 70 2.10 Western Phenomenology ........................................................................................ 70 2.10.1 The Lived World ................................................................................................ 71 2.10.2 Existentialism .................................................................................................... 72 2.10.3 Transcendentalism versus Existentialism? .................................................. 73 2.11 Towards a Synergy of Buddhist and Western Phenomenologies..................... 75 2.11.1 Intentionality ...................................................................................................... 76 2.11.2 Experiencing ‘Self’ ............................................................................................ 78 2.11.3 Temporality ........................................................................................................ 81 2.11.4 Insight Through Epoche .................................................................................. 83 2.11.5 Embodiment ...................................................................................................... 87 2.11.6 Intersubjectivity ................................................................................................. 90 2.12 Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 92 CHAPTER 3 – RESEARCH DESIGN ................................................................................... 96 PART 1 – METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 96 3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 96 3.2. An Introduction to Experimental Phenomenology ............................................... 97 3.3 The Method of the Phenomenological Reduction ............................................
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