Abstract
The primary aim of the study was to assess the effects of a short meditation on Wisdom and Self Transcendence. The mindfulness course consisted of undertaking ten minutes of mindfulness training for ten days and was delivered through the mobile application headspace. The Secondary aim of the study was to assess Levenson (2005) claim that Self transcendence may be a pathway to wisdom and Webster (2003) finding that life experiences appear to play a pivotal role in overall wisdom levels. An analysis of both variables was carried out by administering the Self Assed Wisdom Scale (SAWS) developed by Webster (2003) and the Adult Self-Transcendence Inventory (ASTI) developed by Levenson (2005) to a sample of 31 participant’s pre and post mindfulness training. In addition, an analysis of the relationship between self-transcendence and wisdom was carried out along with an analysis of the effects of the sub variable labeled ‘experience’ and its relationship with overall wisdom levels. Results suggest that wisdom did indeed increase but no statistically relevant increase was found. However, the self-transcendence variable did see a considerable increase pre and post mindfulness training. In addition, a strong correlation was found between self-transcendence and wisdom and between experience and wisdom. Further study may be needed to assess how self-transcendence may be encouraged within a clinical framework to garner its protective mental health benefits. Author keywords: Meditation, headspace, mobile, wisdom, self-transcendence
