Helpful Definitions

Mindfulness Definitions

There are a number of ways to describe mindfulness. Here are a few definitions.

Mindfulness- being consciously aware of one’s own thinking and using that consciousness not only on the task at hand but also to be aware of one’s experience (Iberlin, 2017).

Mindfulness- Paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally (Jon Kabat-Zinn, 1994).

Mindfulness Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens. Mindfulness also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment (https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness).

The 5 core principles of mindfulness according to Jon Kabat-Zinn:

1. A heightened awareness of internal and external experiences including thoughts, smells, feelings,the body, and sights

2. A non judgemental observation of those experiences

3. Compassion towards self

4. The development of openness and curiosity toward internal and external experiences.

5. The ability to return to the present as thoughts arise.