Beholding as a Mindfulness Practice
Mindfulness, as defined by Kabat-Zinn (1994), is the act of “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” This heightened state of awareness, central to Eastern meditative traditions, has found a place in Western psychology as an effective means to combat stress, anxiety, and other disorders. Amidst its many expressions, one less explored yet deeply transformative practice is that of “beholding.” The term “beholding” transcends mere looking or observing. It signifies a profound and sustained perception, often interwoven with wonder or reverence (Armstrong, 2009). Where casual seeing remains superficial, beholding delves deep, immersing oneself in the very essence of what is being observed. It is this depth of engagement that links beholding to mindfulness.
Beholding in Artistic and Natural Realms
The world of art offers rich opportunities for beholding. Whether it is a piece of visual art, a musical composition, or a dance, beholding enables the observer to deeply engage, discerning nuances, emotions, and intentions behind the work. By fully immersing oneself in the art, one becomes more present, fostering a heightened state of awareness (Nanay, 2016).
Nature, in its grandeur, is another realm where beholding can manifest as a mindfulness practice. The intricate patterns of a leaf, the play of light on water, or the dance of shadows during sunset offer moments for deep contemplation. When one truly beholds these wonders, there is an appreciation of the present moment, a tenet fundamental to mindfulness (Williams & Penman, 2011).
Beholding in Interpersonal Relationships
On a relational level, beholding translates to truly seeing another individual, recognizing their essence, and appreciating their unique qualities. It is a move away from reactive judgments to a space of empathetic understanding. Such a practice aligns with the principles of mindful communication, where active listening and present-moment awareness foster deeper, more genuine connections (Siegel, 2007).
The Therapeutic Potentials of Beholding
Given its depth and capacity to foster presence, beholding has therapeutic implications. In a world marked by distractions, the act of beholding can counteract tendencies of detachment or dissociation, grounding individuals in the here and now (Germer, Siegel, & Fulton, 2005). Whether applied in art therapy, nature therapy, or interpersonal therapeutic settings, beholding can pave the way for a richer understanding of oneself and one’s environment.
Beholding is a profound act of engagement, a dance between the observer and the observed where boundaries blur, giving rise to a heightened state of mindfulness. As the realms of psychology and mindfulness continue to intertwine, practices like beholding underscore the myriad pathways to presence, connection, and well-being.
References
Armstrong, A. (2009). The case for God. New York, NY: Knopf.
Germer, C. K., Siegel, R. D., & Fulton, P. R. (Eds.). (2005). Mindfulness and psychotherapy. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go, there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. New York, NY: Hyperion.
Nanay, B. (2016). Aesthetics as philosophy of perception. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Siegel, D. J. (2007). The mindful brain: Reflection and attunement in the cultivation of well-being. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company.
Williams, M., & Penman, D. (2011). Mindfulness: An eight-week plan for finding peace in a frantic world. New York, NY: Rodale.
