The Difference between Mindfulness and Meditation – Which should I do?

Mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment – the here and now. It is enjoying and savouring this experience, having gratitude for this moment.

Mindfulness is taking notice of everything happening now, thinking about what you are doing or what's going on right now.

Mindfulness can be done anytime during most activities. It keeps you in the present and stops you from worrying about the past or catastrophising about the future. You are just being. Making the most of your present time.

Whilst being mindful you are thinking about what you are doing, saying, making, feeling, etc. You are having an experience which is filling your mind, you are noticing everything about it.

Enjoying life in this way is so much less stressful and much more enjoyable, as we appreciate the world we live in.

Meditation can also be mindful for example when you focus on the breath or are doing an active meditation such walking or laughter yoga.

However, meditation is usually an activity in itself, and you would set aside specific time to actively practice.

Meditation is a deeper internal practice for longer term effects. You are clearing the mind, whilst training it to recognise, sort and deal with thoughts more effectively.

During meditation, you will empty the mind, acknowledging thoughts that arise and let them go without judgement. It is a time used for not actively thinking, allowing the brain to calm and settle itself. Thus slowing the chatter of everything that's usually going on in our heads. The result being that we then have more space in the mind and brain for those things that we need to focus and concentrate on, feeling less stressed and overwhelmed.

So the answer to the original question… which should I do? Mindfulness or Meditation?

Both!

They both have many excellent benefits and you will soon find yourself feeling much better – happier, less stressed, healthier, productive, creative, more accepting and understanding, energised, fulfilled in relationships – if you practice a combination of the two regularly.

You can practice being mindful during your daily activities. Here are some suggestions for when to try it and what to focus on.

Taking a shower: How does the water feel on your skin, listen to the sound of the water, the smell of the soap, how your body feels, the texture of the towel, etc.

Washing up: How do the water and bubbles feel on your hands, what movements are you making, how are you standing, is it satisfying to see the difference between dirty and clean plates, etc.

Walking: what can you hear, smell and see, how does your foot plant onto the ground with each step, which muscles can you feel working, how does the fresh air make you feel, how is your pace, observe the nature around you, what is the state of the ground/terrain, etc.

Eating: sense the textures, smells, colours, temperatures and tastes of each mouthful of food, concentrate on chewing then swallowing, etc.

Try to set aside 5-10 minutes a day to start with, to practice a session of meditation. Even just a few minutes can make a difference. You can gradually build up your practice and will then start to see the benefits. Find the right time of day which suits you. Some people like to practice in the morning, as it sets them up for the day with a clear mind. Others like to wind down in the evenings to clear the stresses of the day with a meditation session. Or maybe a lunchtime refresh is the thing for you. It doesn't matter when, just that you are practicing.

Neither mindfulness nor meditation have to take extra time from your schedule if you plan it well. It becomes a way of lifestyle.