| We all know what meditation means, but what | | | | Though this technique originated in eastern lands, it has |
| specifically does mindfulness meditation imply? What is | | | | recently become popular in western civilization and in |
| mindfulness according to definition? Mindfulness | | | | various psychology disciplines. There are two main |
| meditation refers to a mental state that is | | | | components in mindfulness. The first of these is known |
| characterized by a very calm awareness. The person | | | | as self-regulation of attention. The goal here is to |
| experiencing mindfulness is totally aware of his own | | | | maintain attention only on the immediate experience, as |
| body functions, feelings, consciousness and the content | | | | in the now moment. This allows for an enhanced ability |
| of his consciousness. Furthermore, he is aware of all | | | | to recognize mental events taking place in the present. |
| this happening within a single mind. | | | | The second component involves taking a particular |
| Mindfulness is actually part of Buddha teaching, so | | | | view towards present moment experiences; a view, |
| analyzing some basic concepts of Buddhist religion | | | | an orientation, of curiosity, openness with one's self, |
| might help to better grasp the definition. Buddha | | | | and total acceptance. |
| teaches that correct mindfulness is an important part in | | | | The first component of mindfulness involves having a |
| finding the path to liberation and enlightenment. | | | | conscious awareness of one's current thoughts, |
| Mindfulness is also the 7th element of the famous | | | | feelings and environment. This results in a person |
| Noble Eightfold Path. A text known as the | | | | developing what is called "metacognitive skills" in order |
| Satipatthana Sutta is a text that deals with mindfulness | | | | to better control concentration. The second |
| and related philosophies. One of the major teachings | | | | component involves a person accepting his own mind |
| of Buddha was that this type of mindfulness should be | | | | stream and maintaining open and curious viewpoints |
| combined with deep meditation to the point of | | | | towards all beliefs and things; furthermore, it involves |
| absorption. | | | | thinking in alternative categories. |