Our minds are usually filled with thoughts. And these thoughts can carry us away with all kinds of associations. We’re usually planning or fearing the future or dwelling on the past. We may become distracted, confused, or continually ruminate on the same things.

We lose sight of the basic awareness of what is happening within and around us.

On the other hand, mindfulness consists of full awareness of everything that arises within and around us from moment to moment–all that we see, hear, feel, and think.

But that’s not all. Mindfulness also includes the basis for a correct understanding of how our perceptions work and can free us from forming distorted reactions to what is happening in our lives.

Mindfulness helps us become less reactive and more conscious of what states of mind are beneficial to us and which are harmful and cause distress. We can decide to cultivate the ones that make us feel better, and phase out the others.

In this way, we gain greater control over our emotions and our lives.

Practicing mindfulness doesn’t mean we forget our memories or make no plans for the future! But it helps us live with greater clarity and acceptance right now as our life unfolds.

Some people think that practicing mindfulness meditation means trying to stop our thoughts. But this isn’t true. Thinking is the mind’s natural activity, and you can’t stop your thoughts even if you try. Meditation is resting the mind in its natural state, which is open and aware of thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they occur.

When you meditate, you come to realize that you are not your thoughts; you are the awareness of your thoughts.

There are various ways to meditate. To begin mindfulness meditation, you find an anchor, such as your breath, body, or an external object you can see or hear.

Then, when your thoughts carry you away, you simply return to noticing your anchor.

Practicing mindfulness meditation will not take away your creative ideas; it will allow more of them to arise. You’ll find more spaciousness and less’ clutter.’ Mindfulness practice can allow you to let go of limiting beliefs and follow your intuition. And you’ll be able to access a more profound wisdom that arises from this space, which holds all potential.

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” – Ram Dass