Mindfulness

/ˈmaɪndfʊlnəs/

nounmediumCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

The practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.

/ˈmaɪndfʊlnəs/

nounpositivemedium
General

The quality or state of being aware of something.

Mindfulness helps in reducing stress and anxiety.

💡 Simply: It's like paying super close attention to what's happening right now – your thoughts, feelings, and the world around you. Imagine you are eating a delicious piece of cake and you pay attention to every flavor and texture. That is mindfulness!

👶 For kids: Being super aware of what you're doing, seeing, and feeling right now, like a special kind of paying attention!

More Examples

2

She practices mindfulness through daily meditation.

3

Developing mindfulness can improve focus and concentration.

How It's Used

Psychology

"Mindfulness meditation techniques are used to reduce stress."

Everyday Life

"Practicing mindfulness can help you appreciate the present moment."

Health and Wellbeing

"She cultivated mindfulness in her daily routine to manage anxiety."

Idioms & expressions

mindfulness meditation

A specific meditation technique that involves focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment.

"She practices mindfulness meditation every morning to start her day with a calm mind."

practice mindfulness

To engage in activities that promote awareness of the present moment and acceptance of thoughts and feelings.

"She practices mindfulness by focusing on her breath."

From 'mind' + '-ful' + '-ness'. The concept of mindfulness has roots in Buddhist philosophy, but the word itself gained prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as it was adopted in psychology and secular practices.

While the concept has ancient roots, the usage of 'mindfulness' as a psychological term and practice became significantly more prevalent in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Memory tip

Think of 'mind' and 'full' – being completely full of awareness in the present moment.

Word Origin

Root: mind

mindfullnessmindfullnes

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written