What is Mindfulness, or Sati?

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness (Pali: sati; Sanskrit: smṛti) is being purposefully aware, without judgment, of what is happening in your mind, body, and environment in the present moment. Mindfulness is both a mental state and a practice where one pays attention on purpose. In a nutshell, mindfulness is intentional awareness.

Mindfulness is a fundamental aspect of meditation and helps develop insight, concentration, and a deeper understanding of the nature of reality. Rooted in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, mindfulness has gained Western popularity with influential figures like Thich Nhat Hanh, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Joseph Goldstein, and Sharon Salzberg.

Through different types of mindfulness practice, we can develop a moment-to-moment awareness of ourselves and our environment, a sense of decreased stress and anxiety, and a greater understanding of ease and well-being. There is always some element of mindfulness present at any moment—if you are aware, you are mindful. However, true mindfulness comes when one is both aware and unattached to what is present in their mind, body, and surroundings. This is referred to as the “egoless awareness” of mindfulness.

While Buddhists have been practicing mindfulness for thousands of years, you don’t have to be a Buddhist to incorporate it into your life. Every moment of your day, from your morning coffee to bedtime, is an opportunity to tune in, take a mindful moment, and engage with what’s really going on around you.

As Thich Nhat Hanh, known as “the father of mindfulness,” puts it, “To practice mindfulness is to become alive.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does mindfulness come from?

While the modern mindfulness movement is relatively new, Buddhists have been teaching and practicing mindfulness for thousands of years. The concept of mindfulness is rooted in Buddhist philosophy. “Right mindfulness” is the seventh step on the Buddha’s Eightfold Path to awakening, and is explored in early teachings on the Buddhist system of psychology known as the Abhidharma. In the Satipatthana Sutta, the Buddha’s fundamental teaching on meditation, he also taught the four foundations of mindfulness.

What are the benefits of mindfulness?

While research on the benefits of mindfulness continues to be explored, existing studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that mindfulness, and meditation in general, can enhance physical and mental health, promote better sleep, help to create strong personal relationships, and reduce stress and anxiety.

How can I practice mindfulness?

There are many different approaches to practicing mindfulness. These approaches can include: seated meditation, walking meditation, taking a three-breath pause, as well as mindful movement, mindful eating, mindful journaling, and more.

Who is mindfulness most important for?

Mindfulness is an important skill and quality for everyone, and anyone can benefit from it. Even yourself.

Can kids practice mindfulness?

You’re never too young — nor too old — to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness practice holds the benefits for children that it does for adults, and can help children understand their emotions. And a mindfulness practice can be beneficial for both parents and children, helping parents stay in the present moment when engaging with children.

What is the best attitude for learning mindfulness?

Jon Kabat-Zinn, who is best known for popularizing mindfulness as a powerful tool for stress reduction in healthcare and psychology, has stated that there are 9 attitudinal foundations of mindfulness: an attitude of non-judging, patience, beginner’s mind, trust, non-striving, acceptance, letting go, gratitude, and generosity.