The term ‘meditation’ has become a popular catch-all phrase for any inward-focused practice done with closed eyes. However, much like how indulging in chocolate has a different impact on the body than eating oat porridge, ‘Meditation’ and ‘Mindfulness’ are distinct practices that affect the brain and body in unique ways.
This blog aims to highlight the key differences between these two ‘M’ practices, explaining what sets them apart and why they should not be used interchangeably.
Meditation: Stillness and Deep Rest
Meditation offers a variety of techniques and durations that bring about stillness. It’s particularly suited for those with busy minds and stressful lives, providing a way to relieve accumulated daily tension. Think of your brain as a computer and your body as its hardware.
Meditation works by de-exciting the nervous system, offering the body a level of rest deeper than sleep. This profound rest allows the body to heal from within, optimizing its overall function.
Mindfulness: Focus and Present-Moment Awareness
Mindfulness, inspired by monastic traditions, is the art of deliberate focus to heighten awareness. It encourages appreciating the present moment rather than seeking fulfillment from external sources.
In this analogy, mindfulness is like installing new software in your brain. It helps reprogram old stress-induced reactions, fostering a more measured response to life’s challenges. Mindfulness reorganizes the brain’s processing system, enabling us to perceive ourselves and the world differently, actively training our minds to see with greater clarity.
The Practice of Meditation: Do Less, Achieve More
Meditation involves finding a comfortable spot, sitting quietly, and focusing on a mantra, breath, or affirmation. The mind and body enter a deeply relaxed state, free from the need to control attention or judge thoughts.
Meditation is about doing as little as possible, allowing the body to heal naturally. It’s an intentional practice where a focal point, such as a mantra or visualization, anchors the mind. During meditation, we move beyond thinking into a state of pure being, often shifting from the analytical left brain to the creative right brain. The practice can range from a brief one-minute session to an extended hour of inward reflection.
The Practice of Mindfulness: Being Present in the Now
Mindfulness, on the other hand, is an active practice that requires conscious effort. It involves focusing on the immediate environment, thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. Mindfulness shifts attention to the present moment, increasing awareness of the ‘now.’
Unlike the wandering mind that drifts into past or future concerns, mindfulness keeps us fully conscious and engaged. This state, often called “Relaxed Readiness,” combines a relaxed body with an alert mind. Mindfulness can be practiced anytime, anywhere, by fully engaging the five senses—touch, smell, sight, taste, and hearing—immersing oneself in the present moment.
Even the simplest daily tasks can become opportunities for mindfulness, offering a fresh perspective on everyday life and enriching the experience of living in the moment.
The Bottom Line
Meditation and Mindfulness are not the same, but both offer significant benefits. Whether you choose to practice one or both, each serves as a powerful tool for fully appreciating and living life to its fullest.
