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Mindfulness is awareness. When eating you're aware that you are eating. When seeing something you are aware that you are seeing something. When enjoying the su

Mindfulness is awareness. When eating you're aware that you are eating. When seeing something you are aware that you are seeing something. When enjoying the sunset you're aware you're enjoying the sunset. When thinking you're aware that you are thinking. When selfish you are aware of that. When sad you are aware that you are sad... And so on. On some level it's like "seeing the matrix". Everything is clear, no longer overlaid by thoughts of gain or loss. No more "what's in it for me?" Everything is wondrous. Everything is just there. There are no questions. Wow... This just blurted out. Anyway, that's what it means to me.

Lambdanaut 12y ago
That was beautiful and spot on. I see it exactly the same way. I certainly can't claim to always be like that, but I can attain the feeling quite often.
justinpombrio 12y ago
You describe it perfectly. It's been a long while since I've experienced that, but you describe it perfectly.
drumdance 12y ago
For me at least, it's also about being in touch the true underlying reasons I exhibit certain behaviors. The easiest examples is in conversation. Much of social relations is about signaling, not to mention playing games. A few years ago I started to notice the underlying emotions when I said something that was designed to either a) impress or b) hurt the other person. Neither case felt pleasant. In the latter case self-righteousness can have a drug-like high, but there is often a hangover too (regret, guilt, shame etc). So I started becoming more mindful of what I say. I strive only to say things that I believe at my core. Occasionally I still catch myself saying or doing something that's about trying to impress or hurt the other person, but it's much less common now, and I feel like I move through my day lightly even under significant work stress. Humor is a special case. I can "lie" by saying something absurd or snarky, but the underlying feeling is one of laughter. However, I try to avoid snide putdowns or Gawker-style schadenfreude. Most people, even those at "the top" (however defined) are struggling with something. Consider for example Elon Musk's apparent difficulty with relationships. I feel for the guy and don't see much humor in pouring salt in the wounds.
medell 12y ago
Well said. I would also add that mindfulness to me includes being intentional in your actions. For example it's fine to watch TV if your intention is to relax and enjoy a show. But if you turn on the TV without intention and mindlessly channel surf with no set timeframe, that is not a very mindful practice.
nandreev 12y ago
Great description. I have been trying to meditate lately (it's not easy) and already experience occasional moments during which I "zoom out" of life, e.g. catch myself becoming aware of what I'm doing. This leads to (short) moments of bliss and sheer wonder. Everything is simple during those moments. I encourage anyone to try meditation. While I was always interested in the subject, it was not until I read Mindfulness in Plain English (referenced above) that I started taking it seriously.

Lambdanaut 12y ago

That was beautiful and spot on. I see it exactly the same way. I certainly can't claim to always be like that, but I can attain the feeling quite often.

justinpombrio 12y ago

You describe it perfectly. It's been a long while since I've experienced that, but you describe it perfectly.

drumdance 12y ago

For me at least, it's also about being in touch the true underlying reasons I exhibit certain behaviors. The easiest examples is in conversation. Much of social relations is about signaling, not to mention playing games. A few years ago I started to notice the underlying emotions when I said something that was designed to either a) impress or b) hurt the other person. Neither case felt pleasant. In the latter case self-righteousness can have a drug-like high, but there is often a hangover too (regret, guilt, shame etc). So I started becoming more mindful of what I say. I strive only to say things that I believe at my core. Occasionally I still catch myself saying or doing something that's about trying to impress or hurt the other person, but it's much less common now, and I feel like I move through my day lightly even under significant work stress. Humor is a special case. I can "lie" by saying something absurd or snarky, but the underlying feeling is one of laughter. However, I try to avoid snide putdowns or Gawker-style schadenfreude. Most people, even those at "the top" (however defined) are struggling with something. Consider for example Elon Musk's apparent difficulty with relationships. I feel for the guy and don't see much humor in pouring salt in the wounds.

medell 12y ago

Well said. I would also add that mindfulness to me includes being intentional in your actions. For example it's fine to watch TV if your intention is to relax and enjoy a show. But if you turn on the TV without intention and mindlessly channel surf with no set timeframe, that is not a very mindful practice.

nandreev 12y ago

Great description. I have been trying to meditate lately (it's not easy) and already experience occasional moments during which I "zoom out" of life, e.g. catch myself becoming aware of what I'm doing. This leads to (short) moments of bliss and sheer wonder. Everything is simple during those moments. I encourage anyone to try meditation. While I was always interested in the subject, it was not until I read Mindfulness in Plain English (referenced above) that I started taking it seriously.