When it comes to mindfulness and meditation, it’s not a matter of one versus the other, but rather of cultivating the energy healing properties of the two as a partnership. It might help to think of mindfulness vs meditation in this way: mindfulness is about being in the moment while also recognizing and acknowledging your experiences and feelings. Meditation is a tool you can use which can enhance your mindfulness.

If you find yourself pulling up to your house after a day of work and not remembering the drive home, or consistently having to retrace your steps because you don’t recall why you went into a certain room, it’s probably time to tune into your senses and become more self-aware and mindful.

 

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is about being in the now or being present. Each day yields a myriad of influential experiences. Mindfulness is a heightened awareness of all facets of each moment; you might say it’s basically paying full attention to your current time and place, without judgment or overthinking. When you’re being mindful, you’ll probably take notice of:

  • Sights
  • Sounds
  • Smells
  • Tastes
  • Touch
  • People
  • Conversations
  • Emotions
  • And much more

When we spend too much time agonizing over the past and worrying about the future, we are unnecessarily burdening ourselves. Mindfulness can help us govern ourselves from worry and help realign our energies toward positivity.

 

Examples of Mindfulness

Enjoying a glass of wine at a dinner party is a good scenario for illustrating mindfulness. As you pour the wine, pay attention to the elegance of the glass, the chill of the wine, the pleasant bouquet that greets you.

Do not just DRINK your wine, relish it.

First sip: Observe the colors of the room, the food, the clothes of the host and other guests.

Second sip: Behold the dance of movement and the symphony of sound that surrounds you.

Third sip: Embrace the playful laughter and chuckle along.

Fourth sip: Feel the warmth of happiness and companionship.

Fifth sip: Practice gratitude for this special moment.

If you’re not a wine drinker, practice the same kind of exercise with a favorite meal. Take in the smells, textures, and flavors as you take one bite, and then the next. Observe the atmosphere with the same steps above while you enjoy it.

 

What is Meditation?

While mindfulness is about being open to and observing everything you can in each moment, meditation is about focusing on a single thing, such as your breathing, and letting everything else go. Beginners will sometimes use a physical object to focus on, like a candle, flower, or the birds outside the window to help them maintain that focus. Closely observing an object or living thing can help you be more mindful.

 

Meditation Tips

Daily meditation practice can help you maintain a healthy energy level, and the beauty is you can meditate at any time. To get the most out of your meditation, try to follow some of these tips:

  • Choose a location with few distractions
  • Sit securely and comfortably
  • Sit with back straight, but not stiff
  • Keep arms relaxed and parallel to your body
  • Rest hands on lap
  • Follow your breath in and out
  • If your mind wanders, don’t stress, just refocus

A daily or twice-daily meditation of about 30-60 minutes can make a world of difference in your demeanor, attitude, and mindfulness but this may be a bit long and a tad difficult for newcomers. Try starting with 5 or 10-minute sessions and work up from there.

 

Mindfulness and Meditation: A Powerful Partnership

Mindfulness and meditation have a yin and yang relationship; They complement each other well, rather than having a contrary “mindfulness vs. meditation” relationship. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you to live your highest life and achieve optimal abundance.