Contrary to popular belief, mindfulness and meditation are two different terms that have entirely different meanings. In fact, many people use these words to mean the same thing, which can lead to confusion.
While meditation can involve being mindful, they do not always coincide. For example, a person that is mindful does not necessarily have to meditate. As we will see below, there are plenty of differences and similarities between these two terms. More so, people can experience many advantages and benefits when being mindful or partaking in meditation.
In this article, we will be discussing everything that there is to know about mindfulness and meditation. If you are considering these two practices, we will mention exactly what you need to do in order to be successful.
What Is Mindfulness?
When a person is mindful, they are fully aware of everything going on around them. However, they also have the ability to react appropriately and not be overwhelmed by all their senses. In short, being mindful means that you are fully attentive.
Every human in the world has the ability to be mindful. Achieving complete mindfulness is not something that one has to conjure up – instead, it is something that we have to learn how to access.
As we will discuss below, there are plenty of advantages and benefits that come with this practice. If you are considering incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, there are various steps that you should take.
As the popular saying goes, practice makes perfect. In other words, the more you practice mindfulness, the more successful you will be. It is also important to note that there are various types of mindfulness practices. For example, some people can reach this state when moving around, while others can only achieve it when sitting or lying down.
What Is Meditation?
Most people should be familiar with the term ‘meditation’ and its definition. This practice is all about training in awareness and gaining an advanced and healthy sense of perspective.
Many people believe that meditating involves turning off their thoughts, feelings, and senses. However, this is sometimes impossible and often results in people quitting the practice, as they believe that they simply cannot achieve success.
The real goal of meditation is for the person to acknowledge their feelings and emotions and be able to observe them without any judgment. When a person can do this successfully, they will start understanding their emotions much better and think more clearly when it comes to finding solutions to personal problems.
Similar to mindfulness, this practice is a skill and requires plenty of patience and practice. In fact, many people find a meditation teacher in order to help them in their journey of achieving complete inner peace.
Mindfulness vs Meditation: Differences and Similarities
As we have already mentioned, there are plenty of differences and similarities between mindfulness and meditation. The most obvious aspect that both practices share is the fact that they are used to improve the mind and a person’s state of awareness.
The three biggest differences between mindfulness and meditation are:
Mindfulness is a Quality, Whereas Meditation is a Practice
One of the main differences between mindfulness and meditation is that one is a quality and the other is a practice. As we have already mentioned, the definition of mindfulness tells us that it is a state of being fully aware of the present and surroundings. On the other hand, meditation is a practice that involves a person using a technique in order to achieve complete inner peace.
Through these definitions, we can see that meditation can be used to achieve mindfulness. However, it is also obvious that meditation is a practice, whereas mindfulness is a quality or state.
Meditation Can Be Used to Achieve Mindful Living
As we have already discussed, meditation can be used to achieve mindfulness. We now know that the practice of meditation involves a person reaching inner peace and gaining self-awareness. However, meditation also leads to a number of other benefits, including better focus and reduced stress.
Mindfulness Can Be Practiced Both Formally and Informally
As we will discuss below, there are plenty of health and mental benefits that are associated with mindfulness. For example, many people who achieve this state feel much more confident and have higher self-esteem.
It is also important to note that mindfulness can be practiced both formally and informally. For example, an experienced person can be mindful without even being aware of it. On the other hand, many people who are still learning to be mindful have to practice it. This would be an example of formal mindfulness.
This differs from meditation, as the latter is only practiced formally. People cannot be successful in meditation without turning off their minds and allowing themselves to reach that state of inner peace.
How to Achieve Mindfulness and the Many Benefits of this Practice
We have mentioned multiple times that meditation can be used to achieve mindfulness. However, there are many other ways in which people can truly achieve this state of mind.
For example, some people have reached this state after simply taking the time to be aware of their actions and emotions. In other words, by thinking about what you say and do before doing it, you can become aware of your surroundings and feelings.
More so, many people make it their mission to deal with and understand their pain and disappointment. This allows the person to become more aware of who they are and what they want in life.
If you wish to achieve mindfulness, follow this link in order to learn how you can activate your natural relaxation response.
Benefits and Advantages
As we have already discussed, many people who achieve this state feel much more confident and have higher self-esteem. More so, some experts have admitted mindfulness can lead to an improved overall physical health. Since this state can lead to reduced stress levels, many people experience lower blood pressure, improved sleep, and alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties.
How to Meditate Successfully and the Many Benefits of the Practice
We have already mentioned that some people hire a teacher in order to help them achieve success in meditation. This is because many struggle to turn off their minds and reach complete inner peace.
However, there are a few ways in which you can make this process much easier for yourself. For example, find a comfortable sitting or lying position. More so, you will want to meditate in a quiet area that is free of any distractions.
Contrary to popular belief, you should not make an effort to control your breathing during meditation. Instead, simply breathe naturally and let your mind relax. While you are meditating, let your mind wander and think about how your body feels when you inhale and exhale.
It is recommended that you set aside a specific amount of time each day to meditate. It makes it much easier if you find a routine – for example, meditate at the exact same time every day.
It is also important that you do not become attached to the thoughts that pop into your head. It is completely normal for you to think about what is going on in your life and things that are bothering you – however, if you want to achieve success in meditation, you should let these thoughts pass through your mind without attachment.
If you wish to meditate successfully, you should find ways to relax. This Seven Minute Mindfulness article can be used to learn how you can activate your natural relaxation response.
Benefits and Advantages
We have already discussed a few advantages that come with meditation. For example, this practice has shown to reduce stress and improve self-awareness. It also allows people to reach mindfulness, which opens doors to many more benefits.
More so, many experts have admitted that meditation leads to improved creativity, patience, and tolerance. This practice enables people to focus on the present, allowing them to think about their problems and come up with appropriate solutions.
Conclusion
Mindfulness is a term that refers to the ability of a person to be completely aware of their surroundings and emotions. On the other hand, meditation is a practice that causes a person to achieve inner peace and mental stability.
There are many differences between these two terms. For example, meditation is a practice, whereas mindfulness is a state or quality. More so, mindfulness can be practiced both formally and informally, whereas meditation can only be practiced formally.
A person who practices meditation will experience a number of advantages and benefits. For example, they will have reduced stress levels, which will lead to improved sleep and lower blood pressure. More so, experts have admitted that this practice can result in improved creativity, patience, and tolerance. Similarly, being mindful comes with a wide range of advantages. This state can also allow a person to experience reduced stress levels and improved sleeping patterns.
If you wish to be successful in meditation, it is recommended that you find a quiet and comfortable place, fall into a daily routine, and breathe naturally. Meditation can also be used in order to achieve mindfulness.