mindfulness
MYND-fuhl-nuhss
/ˈmaɪndfʊlnəs/
The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something; a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment.
In a clinical sense, it involves non-judgmental awareness, observing thoughts and feelings without reacting to them.
The story behind the word. While the English word is old, its modern psychological meaning is a translation of the Pali word 'sati,' a key element of Buddhist traditions, brought into Western psychology in the 1970s.
Word relationships
- awareness: 'Awareness' is simply knowing something exists; 'mindfulness' is a specific, sustained focus on the present.
- presence: 'Presence' often refers to a person's aura or being there; 'mindfulness' is the internal mental state.
- absent-mindedness: Being lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings.
- distraction: A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.
Commonly confused with
- meditation: Meditation is the practice; mindfulness is the state of mind that meditation aims to achieve.
Word family
- mindful (adjective): Conscious or aware of something.
- mindfully (adverb): In a way that shows awareness of the present moment.
Collocations
- mindfulness meditation
- practice mindfulness
- mindfulness-based stress reduction
- cultivate mindfulness
Example sentences
- "Practicing mindfulness can help reduce anxiety by keeping you grounded in the present moment." Describing a stress-reduction technique.
- "In our fast-paced world, mindfulness is a necessary tool for maintaining mental clarity." A general observation on lifestyle.
Memory hook
Mindfulness is having a 'Mind Full' of the 'Now'. Full of the now.
When not to use
Avoid using it as a synonym for just 'paying attention' in a casual way; it usually implies a deliberate meditative or psychological practice.
Fun facts
- The modern secular mindfulness movement was largely started by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Explore more words
cognizant, consciousness, vigilance, considerate, attentiveness, absorption
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