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hey both start with ‘M’, and they both involve breathing, right? As a coach, I like to clarify and help people get clear on things… so let’s define both now.
Mindfulness is present moment awareness. It is being in the here-and-now and accepting it just as it is, without judgment. When we are being mindful, we are focused on what is actually unfolding right in front of us. It is not thinking about the past or ruminating about the future….it is truly ‘being in the moment’.
Meditation is a practice or a way to facilitate more mindfulness in one’s life. When one practices meditation, the focus is on just one thing–say, the breath. When practicing meditation, the attention of the mind is brought back to the breath over and over and over. With time, this practice of single-focused attention, transfers into other areas of our lives. We train our mind to be still and focused, we train our mind to be present with the person right in front of us, or the situation at hand. With a regular meditation practice, one discovers the amount of distracting they were doing before and how much they really crave to focus on their life…in real time.
Therefore Meditation fosters greater Mindfulness. And greater Mindfulness leads to an increased experience of joy and overall happiness.
Wow–all I need is my breath and my mind?? Yep…it’s free and its always with you.
