What is Mindfulness?
Below, we explore definitions and insights from various mindfulness experts to understand its depth and significance.
Thich Nhat Hanh on Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and alive, body and mind united. Mindfulness is the energy that helps us to know what is going on in the present moment. I drink water and I know that I am drinking the water. Drinking the water is what is happening.
Mindfulness brings concentration. When we drink water mindfully, we concentrate on drinking. If we are concentrated, life is deep, and we have more joy and stability. We can drive mindfully, we can cut carrots mindfully, we can shower mindfully. When we do things this way, concentration grows. When concentration grows, we gain insight into our lives.
Rod Sudbeck on Mindfulness
To me, it’s a detailed awareness of my inner and outer experiences, while being fully present in this body and moment. “I’m here now,” is the tool I use most to bring me into the present moment.
Jack Kornfield on Mindfulness
Traditionally called Sati-Sampajenna, or “mindfulness and clarity of purpose,” mindfulness has two aspects: receptive and active. Mindfulness is first a spacious, kind, non-judging awareness of the present. Second, as sampajenna, mindfulness includes an appropriate response to the present situation.
John Taylor on Mindfulness
Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally,in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.
Paying attention: Actively focusing on what is happening.
On purpose: Intentionally directing your attention.
In the present moment: Being aware of what is happening right now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Non-judgmentally: Observing your thoughts and feelings without labeling them as good or bad.
Essentially, emphasizing a way of being that involves a conscious, open, and accepting awareness of one's present experience.
Jon Kabat-Zinn on Mindfulness
Mindfulness is awareness, cultivated by paying attention in a sustained and particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally. It is one of many forms of meditation, if you think of meditation as any way in which we engage in (1) systematically regulating our attention and energy, (2) thereby influencing and possibly transforming the quality of our experience (3) in the service of realizing the full range of our humanity and of (4) our relationships to others and the world.
Mindfulness is a practice that allows us to connect deeply with ourselves and the world around us. By cultivating awareness, presence, and acceptance, we can experience life with greater clarity, peace, and joy. Whether through meditation, mindful actions, or simple reminders to be present, mindfulness offers a pathway to a richer, more meaningful existence.
Joshua Bee Alafia on Mindfulness
Mindfulness is embodied awareness, where unconditional love meets perception and concentration.
“There is no mindfulness without metta and no metta without mindfulness.”
Mana Dabolkhar on Mindfulness
Mindfulness is doing the things we are doing, fully. It brings us into awareness of here and now.
Ram Dass on Mindfulness
“In a world of distraction, Mindfulness is one of the practices for slowing down our lives, for finding a way inside, for concentrating self-awareness.”