What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with awareness, openness, and without judgment. It involves noticing what’s happening—internally and externally—as it unfolds, rather than getting caught up in the past or future.
Mindfulness can be practiced at any time, in any setting. Examples include:
Savoring the flavors and textures of a meal
Taking a moment to notice sounds or physical sensations during a walk
Observing thoughts or emotions without immediately reacting to them
Rather than being a specific activity, mindfulness is a way of approaching experiences with curiosity and acceptance.
What Is Meditation?
Meditation is a more structured, intentional practice. It often involves setting aside time to focus attention on a specific object, such as the breath, a mantra, or bodily sensations. There are many styles of meditation—some guided, some silent, some focused on concentration, others on open awareness.
While mindfulness can be integrated into daily activities, meditation usually takes place in a more formal context, such as sitting quietly for a set period.
A typical mindfulness meditation might involve:
Sitting in a comfortable position
Focusing attention on the breath
Gently returning attention to the breath whenever the mind wanders
With consistent practice, meditation can strengthen the ability to remain present and cultivate a more balanced relationship to thoughts and emotions.
Key Differences
Mindfulness and meditation are closely related but serve different purposes. Here’s a simple comparison:
Mindfulness: A way of being, practiced anytime, supports present-moment awareness
Meditation: A formal practice, done intentionally for a set period, trains the mind
How They Work Together
Mindfulness and meditation are distinct but interconnected. Meditation can be used to strengthen mindfulness, and mindfulness can be applied throughout the day—even outside of meditation. Many meditation techniques are actually forms of mindfulness meditation.
Both practices have been associated with:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved emotional regulation
Greater self-awareness and focus
Enhanced overall well-being
Mindfulness is a way of paying attention in daily life. Meditation is a structured activity that helps train that attention. One is not better than the other—they can support each other and be used in different ways, depending on your needs.
