We are all familiar with the term ‘mindful’ as being conscious or aware of something. However, mindfulness, as applied to mindful meditation, is more than our colloquial use of the term. Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations without judgement. 

Our increased awareness of mindfulness is, in part, due to articles and stories about its health benefits. These health benefits are not the product of merely being conscious of something, nor from being in the present moment now and again. But rather, health benefits occur after training in mindful meditation. During training, participants learn techniques and incorporate them within their daily life. Mindful meditation can occur while sitting, walking, or doing any task or job, so it is convenient and accessible for anyone.