Abstract

Mindfulness is a set of secular practices inspired by contemplative traditions to exercise consciousness. These practices are now a topic of considerable interest both among researchers and the general public, who see them as tools to foster mental well-being. In the article, we argue that this interest is not just a passing fashion, but instead it is the beginning of a major research direction that can bring new ways to interpret personal development. Here we present a historical and conceptual framework of mindfulness, the main psychological and brain mechanisms on which mindfulness work, and finally some of the protocols that are emerging as more promising to increase well-being in individuals, with or without mental health issues.