Supporting Evaluation Practice Through Mindfulness

This article explores the utility of mindfulness in the field of evaluation. Mindfulness is a translation of the ancient Indian word, Sati, which means awareness, attention, and remembering. While definitions vary, a practical definition of mindfulness is present-moment awareness in an open and nonjudgmental manner. Mindfulness-based interventions have been employed by a wide variety of professions. Although it has received limited attention in the writings of evaluators, we argue that mindfulness can improve the practice of evaluation and support the development of the professional practice and interpersonal domains of American Evaluation Association (AEA) evaluator competencies. We review several mindfulness-based practices and how they can be used by evaluators in their work. Thus, we posit that far from being an esoteric concept, mindfulness practices can serve the pragmatic end of improving our discipline. We also discuss the limits of mindfulness and propose recommendations for future efforts.