What is Mindfulness?

Jon Kabat-Zinn, a leading expert and pioneer in mindfulness research, defines mindfulness as follows:

“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally. It’s about knowing what is on your mind.”

While "mindfulness" has become a bit of a buzz word lately, for practitioners of yoga and Ayurveda it has been a bedrock of our practice for thousands of years. And while it seems everyone is trying to sell "mindfulness" trainings and techniques and systems as the latest health craze, the systematic cultivation of mindful states is no simple task and cannot simply be promised and delivered through clever marketing or attractive spokespeople. Rather, true mindfulness is a lifestyle, and often a spiritual, practice that requires discipline, discernment, commitment, and skillfulness. 

In addition to having my M.A. in Mindfulness Studies, I’ve been a certified meditation teacher for 18+ years.

There are so many wonderful Mindfulness practices to explore, but some of my favorites for enhancing awareness, clarity, contentment, and ease are: walking meditation, meditation on breath, mindful eating, body scan, and metta meditation.  

If you're interested in learning more about Mindfulness, join me for a Mindfulness retreat, schedule a private coaching session with me, or try one of my free meditation audio tracks above.