Application of Secular Mindfulness to Asian Americans in the U.S.

This chapter discusses cultural considerations in the application of secular mindfulness to Asian American clients in the context of Western behavioral health. We start with a brief overview of Western cultural perspectives on key concepts in the field of behavioral health, including its analytic worldview, understanding of self and coping, and perspectives on mindfulness. Subsequently, we present aspects of an Asian American worldview and understanding of self, behavioral health, and mindfulness from this orientation. Finally, we present areas of conversions and diversions between the practice of secular mindfulness and the cultural practices of Asian Americans, concluding with a case study and our thoughts on the use of secular mindfulness with Asian Americans in a behavioral health context.