Mindfulness in Simple Terms – part 2

Jon Kabat-Zinn titled his 2018 book with a phrase he uses often, “falling awake.”1 Imagine it an abridged description of mindful experience. Despite a seeming hint of humor, the implication is nearly literal:  falling awake as the converse of falling asleep. In more precise language, Kabat-Zinn puts forth an operational definition of mindfulness: “awareness that arises through paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”2 He and his peers are talking about deliberate attention.

The University of California at Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) explains mindfulness as “maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment.”3 Both Kabat-Zinn and the GGSC are referring to decided noting and acceptance of what is at a particular instant. Those who apply mindfulness acknowledge the ephemeral nature of each moment of joy, pain, and everything in-between.

Likewise, mindfulness suggests allowance, paired with appreciation of every moment— without regret, striving, or worry. “Self-aware, humans can imagine spaciousness within. “  

We may permit what arises. And with reception and gratitude, we can nurture loving-kindness for all beings, including ourselves.

FROM BASICS TO BROAD BENEFITS

We’ve only scratched the surface. Researchers and laypeople dig deeper, further unearthing emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits of mindfulness. Once we understand mindfulness in simple terms, we’re open to reaping its bountiful rewards.