‘Mindfulness’ and ‘meditation’ are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. Both have ancient roots, so there are surely as many opinions as there are variations in practice. As a reference point, and for my students, here is my take on how these two terms are related, and the subtle ways in which they differ.
Mindfulness and meditation are closely related but distinct concepts. Meditation is a broad category of mental training practises designed to enhance focus, awareness, and emotional regulation. It includes different techniques.
Mindfulness extends the benefits of meditation into everyday life, making it a practical tool for enhancing mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
For example, focused attention meditation (where you concentrate on the breath or a mantra), loving-kindness meditation (where you cultivate compassion for yourself and others), and transcendental meditation (which involves silently repeating a specific sound or phrase).
Mindfulness, on the other hand, is both a specific form of meditation and a general approach to life. It involves maintaining present-moment awareness with openness, curiosity, and non-judgment.
Historical context
Throughout history, mindful and meditative practices have been central to various disciplines, including yoga, spiritual traditions, and even therapeutic approaches. In yoga, meditation is often combined with breathwork and movement to cultivate inner awareness and balance.
Many spiritual traditions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, use meditation as a path to enlightenment, self-discovery, or connection with a higher power. These days, however, many practitioners and teachers have no adherence to any spiritual tradition, emphasising the practical aspects and the benefits of meditation for health, and psychological and emotional wellbeing.
Modern approaches
In modern psychology, mindfulness-based therapies like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) incorporate meditation techniques to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
Growth and potential
Even in fields like martial arts and performance training, meditation is used to develop focus, resilience, and mental clarity. These practices all highlight the universal value of meditation as a tool for personal growth and transformation.
For example, someone practising mindfulness meditation might sit quietly, focus on their breath, and gently return their attention to the present whenever their mind wanders.
Popular and accessible
Since mindfulness is not limited to formal meditation is is becoming increasingly popular due to its accessibility. It can be applied in everyday activities, such as eating, walking, or listening to a friend. Mindful eating, for instance, involves fully experiencing the flavours, textures, and sensations of food without distractions, rather than mindlessly consuming a meal while watching TV or doom scrolling.
Similarly, mindful walking means paying attention to the sensation of each step, the feeling of the air on your skin, and the sounds around you, rather than being lost in thought.
Formal or casual?
While meditation is often practised in a dedicated space and time, mindfulness can be integrated throughout the day. Someone may meditate in the morning to build a habit of focus and calm, then apply mindfulness while working, interacting with others, or managing stress. In this way, mindfulness extends the benefits of meditation into everyday life, making it a practical tool for enhancing mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
In the final analysis, terminology is more important to some people than others. What matters today when so many people are complaining about stress, attendant anxiety and even overwhelm, is that any practise that helps combat these trends is not only useful, but vital to our wellbeing and even our contentment.
