mindfulness
MIND-ful-nuss
/ˈmaɪndfəlnəs/
The quality or state of being conscious or aware of the present moment with non-judgmental acceptance.
Originates as 'Sati' in Pali; involves active presence rather than passive daydreaming.
The story behind the word. Old English 'myndful' originally meant 'keep in mind' or 'remember'. In 1881, Rhys Davids chose 'mindfulness' as the English translation for the Pali word 'sati' (remembering/awareness in Buddhist meditation), launching its modern global usage.
Word relationships
- awareness: Awareness is general perception; mindfulness adds intentional present-moment focus without judgment.
- attentiveness: Attentiveness stresses focusing sharply on a specific task or person.
- absentmindedness: Absentmindedness means lack of mental presence and forgetfulness.
- distraction: Distraction is having one's attention pulled in conflicting directions.
Commonly confused with
- carefreeness: Mindfulness is alert present attention; carefreeness is unconcerned lightness.
Word family
- mindful (adjective): Conscious or aware of something
- mindfully (adverb): In a mindful manner
Collocations
- mindfulness practice
- mindfulness meditation
- cultivate mindfulness
- mindfulness training
Idioms & expressions
- be here now
Example sentences
- "Mindfulness allows us to observe our thoughts without becoming entangled in them." Meditation Practice
- "Mindfulness-based therapies have proven remarkably effective for reducing chronic anxiety." Modern Psychology
Memory hook
MIND FULL of the PRESENT moment. Present mind, no judgment.
When not to use
Do not confuse with general cautiousness; mindfulness specifically implies non-judgmental present-moment awareness.
Fun facts
- The Pali word 'sati' originally meant 'memory' or 'recollection', but in Buddhist contexts came to mean keeping one's attention anchored in present reality.
Related words
Explore more words
cognizant, consciousness, vigilance, considerate, attentiveness, absorption
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