Mindfulness is a hot topic nowadays. In fact, a couple people recently asked me about the basics of mindfulness. I think it is one of the most important tools I use in my daily life, and I’m excited to share my definition of mindfulness, why I practice it, and how I incorporate it into my life.

My definition of mindfulness:

Mindfulness is when you focus your attention on the present moment and do not pass any judgments on what you’re noticing in that moment. I define mindfulness as just taking a breath to acknowledge the present moment for exactly what it is.

I practice mindfulness for a variety of reasons, but there are two outstanding reasons that motivate me to exercise mindfulness:

1. Mindfulness helps me think clearly. It takes me out of my own head and my mind isn’t cluttered. I take a few breaths to look around and be mindful of the world surrounding me instead of engaging in stressful thought patterns.
2. Mindfulness brings more equanimity into my life. Since my thoughts are not fixated on the past or the future, I am able to remain present and enjoy the current moment. I don’t feel drained from replaying troublesome experiences of my past, and I don’t worry about the worst possible outcome in the future. I have more mental calmness and composure even in the midst of a strenuous situation.

How I incorporate mindfulness into my life: 

I haven’t mastered mindfulness; it’s a practice. I try to remind myself to take a few deep (really, truly deep) breaths and focus my attention on whatever is happening in that exact moment, how I’m feeling and what is around me. My life is more balanced, and I have a stronger sense of contentment and peacefulness when I am able to bring my thoughts into the here-and-now.