Mindfulness in Military: International Defence Symposium

Military leaders worldwide are gathering for the groundbreaking International Mindfulness in Defence Symposium (MINDS)—a virtual event focused on sharing best practices for mindfulness in military training. Organized by neuroscientist Dr. Amishi Jha and UK MOD’s Major Patrick Burgess, this symposium highlights how mindfulness enhances military resilience, focus, and performance.

What Is the MINDS Symposium About?

Major Pat Burgess explains:
- Collaboration: Nations share mindfulness best practices for active-duty personnel.
- Holistic Fitness: Focuses on mental resilience alongside physical training.
- Strategic Implementation: Discusses research-backed benefits of mindfulness for military performance.

Why Mindfulness Matters in Military Training

Dr. Amishi Jha, a leading neuroscientist and mindfulness researcher, emphasizes:
- 15+ years of research on mindfulness for high-stress groups.
- Attention training improves decision-making under pressure.
- Scalable programs tailored for military contexts.

Current Adoption of Mindfulness in Defence

Grassroots Efforts Leading the Way

• UK: Major Burgess integrates mindfulness into physical fitness programs.
• US: Research-backed initiatives, but still largely grant-funded.
• Global: Patchwork of programs driven by military mindfulness champions.

Key Challenges & Opportunities

• Lack of formal structure in most defence departments.
• Growing research (e.g., Royal Navy studies with Dr. Jutta Tobias).
• Potential for standardization across NATO and allied forces.

The Future of Mindfulness in Military Operations

Major Burgess and Dr. Jha agree:
- Common language: Mindfulness bridges science and military application.
- Ethical decision-making: Enhances discernment in high-stakes scenarios.
- Global resilience: Prepares militaries for humanitarian and climate crises.

Key Takeaways from the MINDS Symposium

1. Mindfulness boosts attention in high-pressure environments.
2. Integration with physical training increases engagement.
3. International collaboration accelerates adoption.

Event Date: September 30

Learn More About Military Mindfulness
- A 12-Minute Meditation for Awareness
- The Neuroscience of Focus Under Stress