What does mindfulness have to do with meditation or yoga?

Meditation and yoga are two ancient and powerful techniques that have been helping people for thousands of years to heal, center themselves through challenging life circumstances, and summon more fulfillment and peace into their lives.

So what about mindfulness, then? What does mindfulness have to do with meditation or yoga?

Let’s start by defining mindfulness.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, American professor and creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic, calls mindfulness.

“Awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally.”

The Oxford dictionary defines mindfulness in the context of mental health as:

“A mental state achieved by concentrating on the present moment, while calmly accepting the feelings and thoughts that come to you, used as a technique to help you relax.”

To me, mindfulness is:

“The practice of fully accepting the present moment by fully accepting whoever and whatever you are in that moment, irrespective of your life situation.”

In any definition of mindfulness, the central theme is being present.