ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to develop a mindfulness intervention with the specific purpose of increasing wellbeing, and the results to date have been promising. It suggests that the Mindfulness Based Flourishing Program (MBFP) could complement existing mindfulness programs and be used to increase positive outcomes such as wellbeing, while also decreasing variables such as depression. D. H. Shapiro, S. L. Carlson, L. E. Astin and B. Freedman proposed the Intention, Attention, and Attitude model of mindfulness. When prominent mindfulness programs such as the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program and the Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy program were developed, the primary intention was to decrease negative variables such as stress and depression. Mindfulness in turn supports the notion that Positive Psychology may also be suitable for individuals with psychological difficulties, by shifting people from ‘languishing’ towards ‘flourishing’ on the mental health continuum. Delivering the MBFP to large and varied populations is particularly important since participants experienced significant changes in levels of depression.
