Mindfulness, Wisdom and Loving-Kindness (MWL) Meditation and Its Role in Enhancing Family Cohesion and Mental Well-Being

บทคัดย่อ

This study examines how Mindfulness, Wisdom, and Loving-kindness (MWL) meditation can be a crucial tool for families with children who have unique requirements. This study, grounded in Buddhist psychology and peace studies, aimed to: (1) To study the difficulties and obstacles experienced by families caring and scientific knowledge for parenting of special needs children; and (2) To study the family caring aims to happiness and the meditation courses for the families based on Buddhist scripture. Conducted by the Buddhamahametta Foundation, the study utilized a qualitative approach involving 21 caregiving families and 10 interdisciplinary specialists, Buddhist teachings, paediatric care, expressive therapy, education, and the Founder of BaanMaeNok Learning Centre of Persons with Disabilities Association. Data was collected through a questionnaire and focus groups discussion. 

The MWL program incorporated fundamental Buddhist practices such as mindfulness breathing, loving-kindness chanting, and contemplative reflections, specifically designed to enhance emotional regulation and foster family harmony. Findings revealed that families frequently struggle with emotional exhaustion, financial hardships, and social disconnection. Nonetheless, MWL practices significantly enhanced emotional awareness, compassionate communication, and mental resilience. Feedback after the course revealed a heightened sense of inner peace, improved caregiving perspectives, and a feeling of spiritual continuity through the daily application of MWL techniques. Participants also mentioned an enhanced feeling of community and shared understanding during the group meditation sessions. The study emphasizes MWL meditation as a culturally pertinent and psychologically advantageous instrument for promoting peace within caregiving settings. Its brief, structured format provides enduring emotional and spiritual support, aligning traditional Buddhist teachings with the contemporary needs of family care. These results highlight the necessity of incorporating spiritually based interventions into broader caregiving frameworks.