What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness means consciously noticing the present moment: with kindness, openness, and, as far as possible, without immediately judging it.

That sounds simple, but it is not always easy in everyday life. Our thoughts are constantly occupied with the past or the future. Mindfulness helps us return to the present moment again and again.

The point is not to see everything as pleasant or positive. Uncomfortable feelings, pain, and difficult thoughts should also be noticed. Mindfulness therefore does not mean indifference, but clarity. You learn to recognise more consciously what is happening before you react automatically.

Over time, this attitude can become increasingly natural not only during meditation, but also in everyday life.

If you find it difficult to notice unpleasant thoughts or feelings and feel very uncomfortable during meditation, you do not have to force yourself through the practice. Sometimes it can make sense to stop the meditation or take a break. If experiences like these cause severe or lasting distress, professional support may be helpful.