The Difference Between Mindfulness and Meditation
A MATTER OF FOCUS
A key difference between mindfulness and meditation is how they are defined. Both refer to being fully present at the moment and paying attention without judgment. Mindfulness is a fundamental human quality and is older than any religion. It is a skill that helps people achieve greater peace and well-being. Whether it is sitting or walking, we should learn to be mindful of our surroundings and our inner well-being.
EXPERIENCE MEDITATION
The two words "mindfulness" and "meditation" are commonly used interchangeably. However, their definitions are a little more nuanced than what is widely understood. Both are psychological (or spiritual) practices and involve paying attention to the present moment, but in meditation, you are relaxed while just watching your thoughts pass.
Simple meditation practice:
• Find a quiet comfortable place to sit, up straight, undisturbed.
• Breathe naturally while counting your breaths:
• Inhale for 1, exhale for 2, count to 10 and start over.
• Keep your eyes half-open to avoid falling asleep.
If you lay down and close your eyes while counting your breaths, you will probably fall asleep, which is OK unless you want to experience meditation. You will need to stay awake for meditation. Your actual meditation practice can be for just 1 minute or up to 20 minutes. Your choice.
STAYING MINDFUL
Practicing mindfulness means paying close attention to everything you do or think. Mindfulness can and should be practiced while performing important tasks like driving a motor vehicle, for example. After practicing mindfulness, you may be surprised how your memory improves! If you are trying to find something, instead of asking yourself "where is it?" Ask yourself "where did I last see it?" Or you may also decide on a normal home for your keys or other things you commonly use.
The ability to detach from feelings and recognize them as transient is a hallmark of mindfulness. The ability to be present and aware of the mind, which is the ultimate goal of any practice, is described as the key to being happy. Researchers have studied the effects of practicing mindfulness in many areas, and some of these effects include increased metacognitive awareness, less negative thinking, and reduced relapse into depression.
COMPASSION
The practice of mindfulness involves accepting all of our experiences and letting them happen. It involves a certain amount of compassion for ourselves. This is similar to comforting a crying child. It means being unconditionally present with all of our experiences. The practice of mindfulness involves the practice of compassion for ourselves. The ability to be mindful is necessary to overcome suffering. By cultivating an attitude of compassion, we can improve our overall well-being.
STAYING PRESENT
Various definitions of mindfulness are available. The scientific definitions focus on how to be mindful in the present moment. Its foundations include self-regulation. This means that a person must control his or her attention to remain in the present moment. The practice of mindfulness involves acceptance of unpleasant situations. It also teaches a person to accept unpleasant moments. It is an integral part of a healthy, successful life.
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