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What Is Mindfulness Meditation?

Mindfulness Meditation is a state of purposeful, calm awareness of body, feelings, sensations, thoughts, and environment.

More Info: This type of meditation is also known as insight meditation, as the traditional purpose of this practice was to gain insight into the true nature of reality. It is different from simple concentration; in mindfulness, you want to take in and appreciate the complete tapestry of the conscious experience of the moment. The actual practice of mindfulness meditation begins by sitting with an upright, erect posture. You then simply follow the flow of your breath, being aware of the movement of air into and out of your body. As you follow your breath, you maintain a calm, clear awareness of everything else that is going on both within your body and mind, and in your environment. If your mind wanders, even if you get lost in a daydream, just gently bring your attention back to your breathing as soon as you notice that your mind has strayed. The point is not to have a "blank" mind. Instead, the idea is to watch as your thoughts drift by. Label the thoughts, and then let them go. Realize that you are not your thoughts, and that the only thing that is important in the moment is awareness.

Interestingly, even though this type of meditation is an ancient practice, modern medicine has begun to utilize it as a tool for combating stress, Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, PTSD, and depression among other maladies.