What are Mindfulness and Meditation?

Meditation is a mental training practice. It involves a set of techniques designed to cultivate a state of focused attention and increased awareness. Mindfulness is present-moment awareness with a gentle and accepting attitude. It involves focusing your attention on your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment.

 

Meditation is a way to train the state of mindfulness.

Meditation techniques train specific brain circuits involved in attentional control. This can lead to improved focus, better regulated emotional responses and resilience. Research also suggests meditation may enhance neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize. This can lead to structural and functional changes in brain regions associated with stress regulation, focus, and self-awareness.

Meditation practices encompass a wide range of techniques, including focused attention practices and open monitoring, where one allows any given thought or feeling to arise and pass freely.