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I am often asked what the difference is between mindfulness and meditation. It’s something I initially struggled to explain, so I decided to write this post to help anyone else confused by these two practices.
While meditation and mindfulness are often used together and can complement each other, it's important to remember that they are not the same thing. By understanding the differences between meditation and mindfulness, you can choose the practices that work best for you and your specific needs, and develop a greater sense of awareness and well-being in your daily life.
Meditation is a broad term that refers to a range of practices that involve training the mind to focus and be present in the moment. Meditation can take many different forms, including seated or walking meditation, guided or body relaxation meditation.
Mindfulness, on the other hand, involves paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction, and with a sense of curiosity and openness.
While meditation can help to cultivate mindfulness, mindfulness can also be practiced in a variety of other ways, such as paying attention to the sensations of the body, focusing on your breathing, fully engaging in daily activities such as eating, walking or even mindfully engaging in tasks such as dinner preparation. At it’s simplest form, mindfulness involves simply taking a moment to come out of our minds and thoughts of the past or the future to notice the world around you.
In essence, meditation is the practice of training the mind, while mindfulness is a specific quality of attention that can be developed through the practice of meditation, but can also be cultivated through other means.
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Our well-being tools are free and can make a real difference to anyone going through a stressful or difficult time. Techniques such as mindfulness and meditation can be practiced anywhere at any time and can prove incredibly helpful for promoting a happier, calmer, less stressed life.
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