The Power of Mindfulness. 30 Definitions

We can reflect on mindfulness and appreciate a diversity of ways to define mindfulness.

Here are 30 definitions.

 If a one, two or a handful of ways resonate, it might be worthwhile to remember (be mindful of) those that currently resonate.

In Alphabetical Order):

1. A clear intention gives support to mindfulness to inquire and change situations, inner and outer, personal and institutional.
2. Mindful sees clearly the present and our direction.
3. Mindfulness applies equally to being and doing.
4. Mindfulness becomes a meditation through practice
5. Mindfulness can safeguard us from accidents, mistakes and reactivity
6. Mindfulness contributes to inner steadiness when faced with difficulties.
7. Mindfulness develops receptivity to seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching.
8. Mindfulness embraces the general and the specific, the bigger picture and the detail.
9. Mindfulness examines intention, action and result. Mindfulness responds to what is.
10. Mindfulness has no self-existence but depends on causes and conditions
11. Mindfulness includes the art of total listening to discern what is valuable and insightful.
12. Mindfulness is a limb in the body of total awakening including deep meditation.
13. Mindfulness is a mental faculty and a power of mind to develop.
14. Mindfulness is a tool to transform self-centred pursuit of pleasure, negativity and fear.
15. Mindfulness makes wise judgements and prevents the manipulation of our attention.
16. Mindfulness of others’ contribution develops and expresses appreciation and gratitude.
17. Mindfulness of the past, the present and the future matter.
18. Mindfulness refers to four applications, body, feelings-emotions, states of mind and Dharma.
19. Mindfulness refers to our capacity to see clearly what is happening.
20. Mindfulness reveals a clear comprehension of change, initiated or not.
21. Mindfulness reveals what is common between self and others.
22. Mindfulness saves falling prey to selfish desire, exploitation and indifference.
23. Mindfulness serves as an important step towards overcoming grief, despair and pain.
24. Mindfulness shows a genuine sense of responsibility for what we know.
25. Mindfulness with inquiry examines causes and conditions for suffering.
26. Mindfulness works to reduce stress, anxiety and physical pain.
27. Mindfulness, awareness or clear attention can mean inter-changeable concepts.
28. The Buddha distinguished right (conduce, fulfilling) mindfulness from harmful mindfulness (e.g. the burglar in the night).
29. The Buddha said: “Mindfulness is applied to the extent necessary in order to abide without needing to lean on anything in the world” – either inwardly or outwardly.
30. The liberating ones, who know the timeless, live a mindful and caring way of life.