Mindfulness is deliberately paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. This sounds simple enough, but the difficult part of this is the ‘intentional’ and the ‘non-judgmental’ aspects. The intentional is difficult because so often we are on ‘autopilot’ and what we pay attention to is simply random and unintentional. We have no control over our attention or what we focus on, but this is vital to living a conscious life. Alan Wallace says:
“…if you could direct your attention as you saw fit, you could actually choose the universe you seem to inhabit.”
“The non-judgmental part is difficult because we are addicted to thinking and judging. This is a difficult lesson to learn, but it becomes clear the first time you sit down to meditate. But the difference between a judgmental mind and an open mind is literally the difference between happiness and suffering. Judgments are narrow and limiting, but an open mind is broad, liberating and also intelligent. One Zen master calls it a beginner’s mind:
“In the mind of the beginner there are many possibilities, but in the mind of the expert there are few.”
…so there are many benefits to practicing mindfulness, both formally while sitting on a cushion and in your daily life. It may be difficult, but the results are worth it.
Here’s a chart that explains how mindfulness can change your life:
Try a guided mindfulness meditation