An Integrated Mindfulness Approach to Disordered Eating
Abstract
Charlotte Thaarup-Owen
This research paper aims to fill a gap in the literature by reporting on the effects of an integrated, targeted, mindful eating program. The program ‘The Dear Body - Loving the Body and Freeing the Mind – based on six mindfulness practices’ (The Dear Body program) is currently offered in Australia and Bali as live-in retreat programs. As Mindfulness becomes more accepted in the West, targeted applications are becoming more common in relation to stress reduction, workplace, medicine and parenting (as common examples). With obesity, stress and depression increasing in most Western cultures, Mindfulness offers a sound and comprehensive process for addressing these issues and generating positive change. This paper makes an important contribution to the exploration of the topic and its effectiveness, providing an important foundation for future research.