One significant caveat to the definition of mindfulness (John Kabat-Zinn’s) is that it’s hard. Meditation, of any kind, is generally harder than people like to admit or ever explain. Mindfulness meditation is no different. A more helpful definition of mindfulness might be that you are attempting mindfulness, or practicing it, as best you can.
Mindfulness defintion:
As best as you can now, paying attention in the present moment, on purpose, and non-judgmentally.
Of course, you mind append “as best you can” to any definition of an action or practice, but I think it’s important here because of how hard it can be to sit for 10 minutes, with your eyes closed attempting this.
Climbing a giant cliff, you focus on your hand holds and foot holds, not triumphantly standing atop in the sun. Swinging a baseball bat, you can pay attention the mechanics of your legs, hips, shoulders, arms, and head, instead of a game-winning home run.
Sitting quietly for 10 minutes practicing purposeful focus on the always and instantly disappearing present moment, you can focus on your breath or body, without judgment, as best as you can in the present moment now. Now. N-n-n-now. 🙂 Instead of the muddy past or infinite future, or swelling pain, noises, or awkwardness. Oops, try again. And try again.
Mindfulness is a constant series of micro re-try’s.
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