In this chapter of the book Psychology and Buddhism: From Individual to Global Community, the author suggests that not only does Buddhist mindfulness meditation allow the individual to develop a calmness that allows for a greater clarity of comprehension and an ability arrest impulsive behaviors, mindfulness also can be seen to have a social function. In the complex social environments, mindfulness allows the individual to take a step back and better observe and attend to the diversity of experiences, viewpoints, and feelings, and of oneself and others. (Zach Rowinski 2005-01-02)