Is There a Corporate Takeover of the Mindfulness Industry? An Exploration of Western Mindfulness in the Public and Private Sector

Abstract

This article explores the recent development of mindfulness in the West since the late 1970s. Mindfulness has entered widely into the personal, public, and business sector of society. The primary purpose of the wide variety of current mindfulness programs addresses the reduction of stress. Mindfulness mentors offer guidance and instruction to individuals and groups in clinics, hospitals, schools, and prisons, as well as people attending regular mindfulness classes. The article examines the growing development of mindfulness in businesses and large corporations. The article points out that mindfulness addresses both internal and external factors contributing to stress, conflict, and anxiety in the workplace. Mindfulness has a 2600-year-old history of connection with ethics, moderation in lifestyle, environment, deep values, and spirituality. The application of an authentic mindfulness contributes to an enquiry into intentions, actions, and the consequences. Is the corporate world ignoring a comprehensive application of mindfulness and made mindfulness subservient to the policies of the company, especially around productivity, efficiency, and the achievement of company goals? The author calls for the application of the Four Noble Truths to businesses.