• The rise of digital platforms and mobile apps dedicated to mindfulness, such as Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer, has made mindfulness practices more accessible to a broader audience. These apps often offer guided meditations, sleep aids, and other mindfulness exercises.

The tension for the industry - 

• App download rates that were once steady and on the rise have now leveled off.  More important and stagger is that while apps are now on people's devices the usage rates are dropping. 

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Mindfulness in the Workplace:

• Many companies have recognized the benefits of mindfulness in promoting employee well-being and productivity. Workplace mindfulness programs, including meditation sessions and stress reduction initiatives, have become more common.

The tension for the Industry - 

• Executives attempting to purchase mindfulness have no training on how to purchase it. As a result, they often get less skilled trainers.   Research is not getting conveyed to human resources departments and key decision-makers on the neuroscience of mindfulness.

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• With increasing awareness of digital distractions and their impact on mental health, there is a growing trend toward mindful technology use. People are exploring ways to integrate mindfulness into their relationship with technology to foster a healthier balance.

The tension for the industry -

• Within the industry, we have divergent thought patterns around the "ancient practices" of mindfulness and the current trends.  As an industry, we need to come together, with non-judgement. Can we get to a "yes and" model where both ancient mindfulness practices can sit next to new practices to expand the use of mindfulness to a world that needs both? 

Mindfulness in Education:

• Mindfulness practices are being introduced in educational settings to help students manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. This trend includes the integration of mindfulness into school curricula and the training of educators in mindfulness techniques.

• As I speak to current members this trend is multifaceted. We have concerns about who is teaching mindfulness and whether are they doing it "right". We also have tension around taking mindfulness into schools at all levels.  Can you teach mindfulness in K-12 schools from a secular standpoint? 

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Mindful Movement Practices:

• Mindfulness is extending beyond traditional meditation practices to include mindful movement activities. Yoga and tai chi, for example, incorporate mindfulness principles, promoting physical health and mental well-being.

• This trend may be the easiest to address and we need genuine connections across the wellness/wellbeing professions to support the continued growth of mindful wellness.

Here is a small sampling of the trends and tensions that in a small way show the need for us to come together as an industry 

What trends are you seeing? What tensions do you see?