“Mindfulness isn’t difficult,” writes Sharon Salzberg, author of Real Happiness: The Power of Attention, “we just need to remember to do it.” Both statements are true. Mindfulness isn’t difficult. And we need to remember to do it. We need to remember to practice mindfulness because life only happens in the present moment, and mindfulness is our best tool for accessing that precious, fleeting moment we call ‘now’. If you’re wondering, “What is mindfulness?” or are just looking for a clear, no-nonsense definition, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the essence of mindfulness, its definition, meaning, and why it’s so important.
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What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the current moment—the here and the now—with non-judgmental awareness. When you’re mindful, you can notice thoughts, feelings, and sensations without becoming overwhelmed, reactive, or overly attached to them. This ancient practice, rooted in Buddhist traditions, has undeniable mental and physical health benefits. But we must be careful if we’re to approach mindfulness as a means to an end. Instead, we should view mindfulness as a tool for experiencing life fully. If other benefits arise, then all the better.
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The definition of mindfulness
When we use the term “mindfulness”, we mean the intentional cultivation of present-moment awareness. Mindfulness involves bringing attention to your current experience with openness and acceptance. It’s about making an effort to focus on the now, without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness encourages us to observe our thoughts and emotions without attaching too much significance or judgment. It’s also a practice of memory—remembering our intention to practice in the first place, and always recalling our ability to ‘reset’ when we lose focus or become distracted. And trust me, distractions and lapses in focus happen to even the most experienced practitioners of mindfulness.
The meaning of mindfulness
I want you to hold off on reaching for that dictionary, because the meaning of mindfulness cannot be found there. Mindfulness embodies a profound shift in how we relate to our thoughts and emotions. Practicing mindfulness fosters a deep connection with your inner self and your surrounding environment. The meaning of mindfulness lies in its ability to promote clarity, emotional resilience, and a greater sense of connection with life itself.
3 Essential Mindfulness Practices
1. Present-moment awareness. Redirect your attention to the present moment, allowing yourself to fully experience your thoughts and emotions as they arise.
2. Non-judgmental observation. Aim to observe your thoughts without passing judgment, creating a space for self-compassion and understanding.
3. Acceptance: Accept the present moment, acknowledging it without resistance or wanting it to be different.
Why mindfulness matters
Practice mindfulness for your family. Do it so that when tensions are high at home, your nervous system has been trained to see thoughts and emotions arise rather than react to them mindlessly. Practice mindfulness so that when you have a full day together with those you love most, you’re able to be truly present with them. Practice mindfulness so you’re not so attached with the notion of yourself and therefore less in need of defending yourself, causing unnecessary churn in your cherished relationships.
Embrace the present moment for your colleagues, neighbors, and the strangers you’ll encounter as you walk with them through this world. Do it so there’s one more calm, level-headed person walking around. Do it so there’s one less person whose ego and unexamined emotions govern selfish acts of self-aggrandizement.
It’s also good to hitch your motivation to practice mindfulness to something bigger than yourself, because having a higher purpose like this is more sustainable. Of course, don’t ignore the health and performance benefits, which include reduced stress and improved focus, and absolutely reap them. But to ensure you’re sustainably motivated to practice mindfulness, don’t do it for yourself. Do it for those you love. See it as a tiny drop in the bucket of making the world a better place.
“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Related article: How To Stay In The Present Moment
Final thought
Understanding the essence of mindfulness, its definition, and meaning can help you take a step toward incorporating this practice of reaching out and touching life as it happens. As the world throws increasingly powerful and personalized distractions at you, the ability to be fully present and cultivate mindfulness is necessary to keep your eye on what’s important. Just remember: It’s a practice. It’s a lifestyle. It’s not something you read about once and then decide to implement. It’ll take a little commitment, but just keep going, because a commitment to live mindfully is a commitment to not let life pass you by.
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