And What Is Mindfulness Meditation?
Mindfulness has become one of the most searched and discussed topics in modern psychology, wellbeing, and contemplative practice. Yet despite its popularity, many people still ask:
What is mindfulness, really?
And what is mindfulness meditation?
This article offers a clear, grounded, and experiential explanation — rooted in the original teachings of mindfulness, with key definitions and insights from Jon Kabat-Zinn, the pioneer who brought mindfulness into modern medicine and psychology.
What Is Mindfulness?
Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness in his most widely cited definition as:
“Mindfulness is the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
This single sentence captures the essence of mindfulness:
- Awareness — not thinking, but knowing what is happening
- Paying attention — intentionally, not on autopilot
- Present moment — now, not lost in past or future
- Non-judgmentally — without immediately labeling experience as good or bad
Mindfulness is not a technique you do once in a while. It is a way of relating to experience — an attitude of presence that can be cultivated in any moment.
Mindfulness Is Not Relaxation (Though Relaxation May Happen)
One of the most common misunderstandings is that mindfulness is simply a relaxation method.
While calmness often arises, Jon Kabat-Zinn is clear that mindfulness is about seeing clearly, not about feeling a certain way:
“Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
Mindfulness allows us to meet stress, anxiety, and difficulty with awareness rather than avoidance.
What Is Mindfulness Meditation?
Mindfulness meditation is the formal practice through which mindfulness is trained and stabilized.
In meditation, we deliberately set aside time to:
- Sit or move with awareness
- Attend to the breath, body, sounds, thoughts, or emotions
- Notice when the mind wanders
- Gently return attention without judgment
Jon Kabat-Zinn emphasizes that mindfulness meditation is not about stopping thoughts:
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
Thoughts will arise. Emotions will arise. The practice is learning to relate to them differently.
The Attitude of Mindfulness
Mindfulness is not only attention — it also includes a set of inner attitudes. Kabat-Zinn often highlights key foundations such as:
- Non-judging
- Patience
- Beginner’s mind
- Trust
- Non-striving
- Acceptance
- Letting go
As he writes:
“As long as you are breathing, there is more right with you than wrong with you.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
These attitudes allow mindfulness to become a transformative practice, not just a mental exercise.
Mindfulness and the Present Moment
Mindfulness always returns us to now — not as a philosophical idea, but as lived reality.
“The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
When we are present, we are no longer completely caught in rumination, worry, or reactivity. We begin to respond rather than react.
Mindfulness, Awareness, and Identity
Through sustained mindfulness practice, many people discover that thoughts and emotions are not who they are — they are events arising in awareness.
Kabat-Zinn points to this shift gently:
“You are not your thoughts.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
This recognition often brings greater freedom, emotional balance, and compassion — both toward oneself and others.
Everyday Mindfulness
Mindfulness is not limited to sitting meditation. It can be practiced while:
- Eating
- Walking
- Listening
- Working
- Relating to others
As Kabat-Zinn beautifully expresses:
“Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
Why Mindfulness Matters
Research and lived experience show that mindfulness can support:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Greater emotional regulation
- Improved concentration
- Increased self-awareness
- A deeper sense of meaning and presence
But its deepest value lies in this:
“Mindfulness is not about getting anywhere else. It is about being where you are and knowing it.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
Final Reflection
Mindfulness is simple — but not easy.
It invites us to turn toward our experience with openness, curiosity, and kindness. Through mindfulness meditation, this way of being becomes more stable, more natural, and more embodied.
In learning to be present, we are not adding something new to ourselves — we are rediscovering what has always been here.
If you would like to experience mindfulness and awareness directly — not just as theory, but as a lived, guided practice — you are warmly invited to join my ongoing practice group:
Awareness Practice – Monthly Online Group
https://newteurgia.com/awareness-practice-monthly-online-group/