What is Mindfulness?

my own definition based on how I teach

Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash

Let’s begin with the dictionary’s version:

a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

I’d accept that.

I would add non-judgemental acknowledgment.

I would edit out the words “therapeutic technique.”

How I teach mindfulness

• clear seeing
• awareness
• paying attention
• presence
• clarity
• non-judging awareness
• fully present
• awake
• openness
• tenderness
• moment-to-moment experience
• recognition
• compassion
• gentleness
• balance
• healing
• open-handed
• “as is”
• truth
• intention
• grounding
• loving-kindness