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Mindfulness?

clearviewclearview
edited August 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Can someone give me a clear definition of mindfulness or 'being mindful'

Comments

  • YogiAdamYogiAdam
    edited August 2010
    Mindfulness is being aware of the present moment. Much of the time we are thinking about events that have happened in the past, or projecting anticipations about the future. But we are rarely just being in the here and now. Meditations on mindfulness, help us to train the mind to become more mindfulness of the present event of our lives. This could include doing Yoga, making tea, doing housework. The idea is to simply observe the living event. Don't comment on it. Don't say to yourself "oh, I'm being mindful now, I'm being mindful of making this cup of tea, this easy being mindful etc.. ". This internal chatter is an obstacle in practicing mindfulness.... So what is it for, what's the point. Because what is happening in the moment is the only reality we have. NOTHING EXISTS, BUT THE PRESENT MOMENT. It's an attempt to experience your life, the living event, and not have it eaten away by your distracting thoughts. I hope this helps
  • jinzangjinzang Veteran
    edited August 2010
    Mindfulness is not losing sight of what you have intended to practice in meditation. Alertness is bringing your mind back to your intention when it wanders. The two make up the practice of meditation and the two obstacles to overcome in meditation are sinking into torpor and scattering the attention with thoughts and emotions.
  • pegembarapegembara Veteran
    edited August 2010
    Mindfulness and the related terms sati, sampajanna, yoniso manasikara are explained here

    http://theravadin.wordpress.com/2009/02/13/mindfulness-is-not-sati/
  • YogiAdamYogiAdam
    edited August 2010
    YogiAdam wrote: »
    Mindfulness is being aware of the present moment. Much of the time we are thinking about events that have happened in the past, or projecting anticipations about the future. But we are rarely just being in the here and now. Meditations on mindfulness, help us to train the mind to become more mindfulness of the present event of our lives. This could include doing Yoga, making tea, doing housework. The idea is to simply observe the living event. Don't comment on it. Don't say to yourself "oh, I'm being mindful now, I'm being mindful of making this cup of tea, this easy being mindful etc.. ". This internal chatter is an obstacle in practicing mindfulness.... So what is it for, what's the point. Because what is happening in the moment is the only reality we have. NOTHING EXISTS, BUT THE PRESENT MOMENT. It's an attempt to experience your life, the living event, and not have it eaten away by your distracting thoughts. I hope this helps

    I should probably point out that this is mindfulness according to Tibetan Buddhism, and Zen Buddhism. If I don't make that distinction, you may wonder why there are different answers to the question.
  • seeker242seeker242 Zen Florida, USA Veteran
    edited August 2010
    clearview wrote: »
    Can someone give me a clear definition of mindfulness or 'being mindful'

    Practicing meditation 24/7
  • JasonJason God Emperor Arrakis Moderator
    edited August 2010
    clearview wrote: »
    Can someone give me a clear definition of mindfulness or 'being mindful'

    Mindfulness (sati) simply means 'keeping something in mind.' As Thanissaro Bhikkhu puts it:
    The term mindfulness [i.e., sati] means being able to remember, to keep something in mind. In the case of establishing the body as a frame of reference, it means being able to remember where you're supposed to be — with the body — and you don't let yourself forget.
  • YogiAdamYogiAdam
    edited August 2010
    seeker242 wrote: »
    Practicing meditation 24/7

    Now, your not referring to actual formal sitting, are you? I assume you mean to be present during every activity, throughout the day. That would make sense to me, but I don't want to put words in your mouth, if it's not what you meant.
  • seeker242seeker242 Zen Florida, USA Veteran
    edited August 2010
    YogiAdam wrote: »
    Now, your not referring to actual formal sitting, are you? I assume you mean to be present during every activity, throughout the day. That would make sense to me, but I don't want to put words in your mouth, if it's not what you meant.

    The only difference I see between the two is that with one, your body is sitting still in a particular posture. With the other, it's walking around and doing stuff. Everything else would be the same.
  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited August 2010
    You'll (hopefully) find that mindfulness sort of feeds on itself. As you become more aware of what's going on inside your head, and elsewhere in your body (ie: stressful, tense muscles, nail biting, etc), it becomes easier to see it and be aware of it. I find that when I slip out of being mindful, often I'm jolted back when I hear something unskillful come out of my mouth, or when I notice that my shoulder is suddenly all tight and tense. I think "gee, where'd that come from - ah yes, from inattention". Paying attention (ie: being mindful) usually brings me back from that. It takes practice and discipline to bring this into being 24/7, and I certainly have a *long* way to go, but I do find it gets easier as time goes on.

    Mtns
  • upekkaupekka Veteran
    edited August 2010
    clearview wrote: »
    Can someone give me a clear definition of mindfulness or 'being mindful'

    awareness of 'what is in the mind' at the time what ever you see/hear/taste/smell/feel/think (a thought comes into the mind)
  • RobinRobin
    edited August 2010
    Hi all. I just found this forum today and am looking forward to talkingwith you. This question is one I have also been struggling with. I have read a lot and "think" I get it but still not sure. Is mindfullness a way of saying paying attention to what you are doing? An example is when I read I block out everything (esp. if the book is really good.). My husband will talk to me and I don't even hear him. I know that may be more of an extreme version but I have been wondering if it may be a form of mindfullness? TIA for your help!!

    Robin
  • GeckoGecko
    edited August 2010
    Mindfulness is sometimes (?) translated as concentration - or at least that's the impression I've received from some sources - but it isn't really. I get the same way when I'm doing anything I enjoy - it seems less like mindfulness and more like what I feel is "concentration".

    I liken the distinction to being totally absorbed in something (as in your example), and then, after coming out of a deep meditation, feeling so aware and alert to my surroundings that I notice even my peripheral vision is greatly extended.

    I'm still not sure, though :D
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