> This observation fits together with studies that show the best way of maintaining mental harmony during mind-wandering is to be able to be aware of the fact that you are doing it
Given that being aware of something is the primary intent of mindfulness, I'd say this article's author is misrepresenting what "mindfulness" actually means by using it to define something which is only orthogonally related. Technically speaking, anti-mindfulness would be defined as the intentional practice of not observing one's thought or being aware of them. The quote above seems to indicate one is aware of the process.
I live in the Bay and I have not personally observed a group or movement with the primary intent of going around trying to not be aware of what they are thinking or doing. That happens naturally enough in people with their noses in phones on the sidewalk!
I didn't fully grasp the irony until you quoted it. There is a name for the state of mental harmony, when you're aware of your mind's wandering: "Mindfulness".
Mindfulness is thus a prerequisite to wandering, and being anti mindful or revolting against mindfulness... (Who would actually do or say that?) is therefore anti wandering as well. QED.
While he's misusing the word there's still value in the things that he's reporting.
What the article talks about is how there is a benefit both from focused thought, and involuntary thought. There has a growing trend towards trying to avoid 'wasteful' thought and on focusing attention on task, but that there's evidence and a counter trend showing that letting your mind do things without conscious direction is also beneficial.
I think it's definitely ironic that he's using the term mindfulness in the way that he does, but it's just a word. The concept that he's explaining is something that people who have actually practiced mindfulness have already learned.
Despite the fact that he's using the wrong words, I think it's a net gain for people to become more aware and comfortable with the things that our minds and bodies do without a conscious directive, and to learn to trust that they have value.
I've been kicking around the idea that "living a thousand lifetimes" is a highly inefficient computational process with little positive outcome. These wasteful thoughts are usually based on assumptions and the practice of speaking for other's intent and feelings.
Given that being aware of something is the primary intent of mindfulness, I'd say this article's author is misrepresenting what "mindfulness" actually means by using it to define something which is only orthogonally related. Technically speaking, anti-mindfulness would be defined as the intentional practice of not observing one's thought or being aware of them. The quote above seems to indicate one is aware of the process.
I live in the Bay and I have not personally observed a group or movement with the primary intent of going around trying to not be aware of what they are thinking or doing. That happens naturally enough in people with their noses in phones on the sidewalk!