Mindfulness Meditation: Definition and Practice
You may have heard of mindfulness meditation but might not know exactly what it entails. While mindfulness and meditation are technically different, they are closely connected. Understanding how they complement each other can help you integrate these practices into your daily life.
Mindfulness meditation involves focusing your attention on the present moment. Mindfulness means being fully aware of each sensation and experience around you. Meditation, on the other hand, is the practice of calming the mind and reaching a state of inner stillness, free from distractions.
There are many ways to practice mindfulness meditation. If you want to explore this further, continue reading for a detailed guide.
Are Mindfulness and Meditation the Same Thing?
Although mindfulness and meditation are related, they are not identical. Mindfulness is the ability to remain present and aware, using all your senses to observe your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Meditation focuses on calming the mind, often in a quiet, peaceful environment. It is a mental training technique that uses deep breathing and conscious focus to release intrusive thoughts.
You can practice mindfulness without meditating, but you cannot truly meditate without being mindful. For example, deep meditation requires awareness of the present moment. If your thoughts drift and you lose focus on your breath, your meditation practice is less effective.
Some popular types of meditation include:
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Mindfulness meditation
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Loving-kindness meditation
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Nature-inspired meditation
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Vipassana meditation
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Transcendental meditation
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Guided meditation
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Yoga meditation
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Chakra meditation
During deep meditation, your awareness heightens. When your mind wanders, gently redirect it to your breath or chosen focus point. Over time, this practice helps you release unhelpful thoughts and achieve a state of wakeful relaxation.
What Does Mindfulness Involve?
Mindfulness emphasizes awareness of your thoughts and surroundings in real-life situations. For instance, you might practice mindful walking by paying close attention to sights, sounds, and smells around you.
A key principle of mindfulness is non-judgment. Like meditation, it encourages a calm, focused mind. With consistent practice, mindfulness becomes a natural part of daily life, helping you stay present and connected.
Examples of Practicing Mindful Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation complement each other so closely that the two often overlap. The essential component of mindful meditation is staying in the present moment, allowing you to experience life more fully. Here are some practical examples:
Walking Mindfulness Meditation
Try walking in your neighborhood while observing your surroundings. During a nature walk in autumn, notice the variety of leaf colors—burgundy, scarlet, amber, and burnt orange. Pay attention to how each color makes you feel.
Incorporating deep breathing during the walk turns this activity into an active meditation. Focus on each step and align your breath with your movement. Some tips for walking meditation include:
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Stand tall and maintain good posture
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Relax your shoulders and gaze
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Breathe deeply from your diaphragm
As you walk, feel your feet touching the ground. Notice the wind on your face, the sounds of birds, and the sky above. Walking meditation helps clear negative thoughts while keeping you grounded in the present.
Lie Down and Breathe
Lie on your back with your knees bent and a soft pillow under your head if needed. Place your hands gently on your stomach, one on top of the other. Focus on your breathing; inhale and exhale slowly, noticing your belly rise and fall.
Count each breath and let your inhalations deepen with every count. Pay attention to the sensations created by mindful breathing. If your mind wanders, gently return your focus to your breath. This practice is both breathwork and mindful meditation.
Feel the Sand on the Beach
The beach offers an immersive sensory experience. Sit on the sand, feeling its texture between your toes. Notice the waves washing over your skin, the smell of the ocean, and the warmth of the sun.
A gentle breeze may brush against you. Listen to the rhythmic sounds of the waves or a seashell against your ear. Engaging all five senses helps you remain fully present, making the beach an ideal setting for mindful meditation.
How Can I Learn More About Mindfulness Meditation?
You can explore mindfulness and meditation further through resources such as:
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My Vinyasa Practice and their YouTube channel
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The Mindfulness App – guided and silent meditations
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Headspace – supports focus and anxiety management
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Better Sleep – background tracks for improved rest
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Insight Timer – guided meditations and relaxing sounds
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Sanvello – helps with anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being
These apps provide guided exercises for mindfulness breathing, body scans, and emotional awareness.
Conclusion
Mindfulness and meditation are closely related practices that support one another. Mindfulness meditation allows you to focus on the present moment and experience sensations fully. Using apps and guided exercises can help you deepen your practice and incorporate mindfulness into daily life. Explore our Introduction to Meditation guide to understand meditation from a yogic perspective and begin your mindfulness journey today.