Abstract

Aim This pilot study aimed to explore if attending a training course on mindfulness impacted one's anxiety and search for meaning in life. Methods The study took place during the COVID-19 pandemic between September 2022 and December 2022. A convenient sample of six faculty members from a university in Canada who were experiencing anxiety and searching for meaning in life participated in the study. Participants were asked to fill in an electronic survey before and after taking an eight-week course on mindfulness. The mindfulness course was facilitated by an instructor who was certified and experienced in mindfulness. It was delivered online. Results Findings from this pilot study revealed that whilst the anxieties about the COVID pandemic had subsided at the time of the study, the pandemic did cause participants to ask questions about the meaning of life. Participants found the training course on mindfulness beneficial to resolve mental health issues and anxieties. It helped them develop a sense of meta-awareness, and an opportunity to refocus on what is important in life. Conclusion The findings of this study are limited to a pilot study and a larger scale study is needed to find out if mindfulness-based techniques have an impact on one's anxieties relating to existential issues and the search for meaning in life.