The Development Process of Practicing Mindfulness Meditation with Loving-Kindness for Enhancing Relationships in Families
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Abstract
This research article pursues three objectives: (1) to examine family problems, their causes, and effects on intra-family relationships; (2) to develop a mindfulness meditation practice process incorporating loving-kindness to enhance family relationships; and (3) to evaluate the outcomes of mindfulness meditation with loving-kindness for improving family relationships. The study employed qualitative methods, collecting data through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and follow-up evaluations with families participating in the MWL course at the Buddhamahametta Foundation. Structured interviews and observation checklists served as research tools, and data were analyzed using thematic and content analysis techniques.
The findings yielded three principal insights:
- The research identifies emotional disconnection, communication breakdown, and reactive parenting patterns as primary sources of family problems.
- The research demonstrates that integrating mindfulness meditation and loving-kindness practices, including walking meditation, sitting meditation, and parent appreciation activities, effectively improves emotional regulation, empathy, and relational harmony within families.
- The research verifies that sustained practice of the MWL model fosters lasting emotional well-being, enhances trust, and strengthens emotional bonds between parents and children in daily life.
The proposed framework provides a systematic approach for applying Buddhist mindfulness and loving-kindness principles within family contexts, thereby promoting enduring emotional resilience and harmonious relationships. This research highlights the essential role of applied Buddhist practices in family well-being education and suggests opportunities for future development of holistic, mindfulness-based family interventions.
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