Mindfulness: What is it really?

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Mindful vs Mindfulness - Whats the difference

by: Sherry E. Siriodis

Mindfulness is a state of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, without judgement or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, as well as the environment around you.

Mindfulness is often associated with meditation practices, but, it can also be applied to everyday activities such as eating, walking, or even washing the dishes. The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a sense of awareness and acceptance of the present moment, rather than getting caught up in worries about the past or future.

Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can have a range of benefits, including:

• reducing stress and anxiety,

• improving focus and concentration,

• enhancing overall well-beng.

Mindfulness techniques can be learned through various methods, such as guided meditations, mindfulness-based stress reduction programs, breathworks or simply practicing being present and aware in your daily life.

The term "being mindful" and "having mindfulness" are often used interchangeably, but they can be understood in slightly different ways.

Being mindful refers to the actual experience of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. It is a state of mind characterized by awareness, attention, and being non-judgement. When you are being mindful, you are consciously observing your thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and the environment around you without getting caught up in them or reacting automatically.

On the other hand, having mindfulness refers to the cultivation and development of the skill or capacity for mindfulness. It is a quality or trait that can be developed through regular practice. Having mindfulness means that you have developed the ability to be aware and present in the moment, even in the midst of daily activities or challenging situations. It becomes a part of your overall approach to life.

In essence, being mindful is the actual experience of being present, while having mindfulness is the ability or skill to consistently access and cultivate that state of mindfulness. Both are important aspects of mindfulness practice and can be developed through intentional efforts and regular practice.

In conclusion, the difference between being mindful and having mindfulness lies in the perspective of experience versus capacity. Being mindful refers to the actual experience of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, while having mindfulness refers to cultivated skill or capacity to consistently access and develop that state of mindfulness. Being mindful is the experiential aspect, where one is actively engaged in the present moment, while having mindfulness is the developed ability to consistently access and cultivate that state of mindfulness in various situations. Both aspects are important in mindfulness practice, as being mindful leads to the development of mindfulness, and having mindfulness enables one to sustain and deepen their mindful experience. So, when someone tells you to be mindful, they are not saying to simply be kind, they are saying to be intentional in your behavior and actions towards themselves as well as others.

I look forward to reading your responses to this and what you learned from it and what else I can blog about to help you on your path. Pleas feel free to reach out if your interested in a one on one session with me personally.