What is mindfulness exactly?

We hear the word "mindfulness" used in all different areas these days. "Be mindful" "Mindfulness based meditation" Mindful eating" so what is mindfulness exactly?


Mindfulness is simply defined as;

1. paying attention

2. on purpose

3. to the present moment

4. without judgment


These ideas seem simple enough to do, and it is easy to say to ourselves" sure I can do that". And YES, you CAN do it however, mindfulness is not just a good idea, it is a practice. You must implement it, you must taken action and actually do it. Try it now in this moment. Right now sitting in front of your computer or on your phone, take this moment to pay attention to everything. How are you sitting, what is the temperature, how you feel, scan your body from your toes up to the top of your head, what do you notice? What do you smell, what sounds do you hear around you, you get the idea. Pay attention and do this on purpose, focusing to the present moment. That means do not let your thoughts drift to even a second in the past or to anticipating even a second in the future, right now. And the last part is to do all of this without judgment. Do not apply any judgment of good or bad, right or wrong just observe.

I hope this explanation can get you started on your mindfulness journey. Mindfulness is a way of being in the world. Fully engaged with each moment and with your life. There is more to this subject that I look forward to sharing with you in the future.