Mindful awareness and meditation… are they the same?

Mindfulness and meditation are related but distinct concepts. Mindfulness, or mindful awareness, refers to the quality of being present and attentive to the present moment, without judgment. It is a state of awareness that one cultivates through intentional practices. For example, you can pay attention to sensations, thoughts, and emotions during your normal, everyday activities. Another easy mindfulness practice is mindful eating: Eat your food slowly, noticing everything inside your mouth: the tastes, textures, etc.

Meditation, on the other hand, is a specific technique or practice that can help cultivate mindfulness. It involves focusing the mind on a specific object, sensation, or mantra to increase awareness and reduce distractions. Of course, meditation can take many forms, including mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on the breath and being aware of thoughts and emotions as they arise.

I always like to say, if mindful awareness is the destination, then meditation is the vehicle that helps us get there! To recap, mindfulness is a state of awareness, while meditation is a technique for cultivating that awareness. Mindfulness is developed through meditation and other mindfulness practices. It is also cultivated in everyday life through intentional attention to the present moment.

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The offerings of beingbetter meditation are designed to make mindful awareness and meditation readily available tools for employees, executives, and anyone who is interested in living in a state of true presence. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey!