What’s the Distinction Between Mindfulness and Meditation?
Mindfulness and meditation are often used interchangeably, and "mindful meditation" is added to the confusion. What exactly is the difference between mindfulness and meditation?
Mindfulness means paying attention to something that is focused and purposeful in a certain way and that is not judgmental in the present moment. And in doing so, we calm our busy mind and calm our nervous system.
All kinds of everyday activities can bring mindfulness. Mindfulness activities vary from counting rosary beads, cooking, knitting, coloring books, and gardening – all forms of mindfulness. Mindfulness in theory is not just meditation, mindfulness can also be practiced in the kitchen, in the garden, while washing dishes. That's why everyday tasks that we no longer do are making a comeback.
Mindfulness can be viewed as a respite from the hustle and bustle of our mind and brain. We have over 80,000 thoughts every day and these thoughts can often cause emotional overload. All of these thoughts and emotions swirl around in our head every day – it's overwhelming. Add to this our digital non-stop-never switch-off world. We are overwhelmed by this constant flow of energy and activity. Mindfulness is about taking a break and calming the mind.
For some so used to stress, this will be difficult at first, which is why it is important to find the strand of mindfulness that works best for you.
Meditation is a form of mindfulness. Meditation is a mental exercise that aims to train attention and awareness. Curb our tendency to have negative thoughts and feelings about being in the present moment. Through the different types of meditation we can connect our mind and body. Through our breath, body scans and yoga, it is all about focusing on the moment. All different types of meditation have the same goal – to become aware of the present moment without judging it.
Mindfulness meditation involves sitting still and listening to thoughts, sounds, breathing sensations, or body parts to bring your attention back when the mind begins to wander. Yoga can also help develop awareness of your breathing – it's again about focusing, being in the moment, and calming the bustle of our awareness.
Is one better than the other?
No method is better than the other – simply because we are all unique and individual. So you have to find the mindful pursuit that resonates with you because that will interest you and keep you in practice.
For some guided visualizations, meditation resonates more with them, say, energy and spirituality meditation or a sound bath might be just what you need. There is even brainwave music to put you in an alpha / beta brain state (available on our @ Mindology.app).
How do you choose between the two?
The most important element is finding time for yourself to relax. Build a habit of self-care and mental wellbeing. Realizing the importance of how stressful life was before Covid-19, but even more so now, to adopt a lifestyle and take time for your own downtime to process feelings and worries, to be present, our minds the opportunity to give, just be, pause, breathe.
When it comes to meditation, there are so many different types – Vedic, guided, yogic, sound bath, breath work, etc. – how do you know which one is right for you and can you confuse them or should you try to find one that you like? and stick with it?
From a neuroscientific perspective, we want to build new neural pathways based on the new habit of connecting with relaxation and calming our busy mind. Choose what works for you. This can mean trying many different techniques and even creating your own program based on your needs and how you are feeling right now. The first step is to take your time and take care of yourself.
What are the main reasons someone should consider adding meditation (or mindfulness) to their routine?
There is overwhelming scientific research to show that mindfulness creates new brainwave patterns for us. It calms our overstimulated mind (beta state) and puts us in an alpha / theta frequency. When we are in a calmer, more relaxed state, our brain waves change, we can think more clearly, and we calm our nervous system (fight / fright / freeze).
Where to start
We created a free meditation app called Mindology that offers a mix of self-hypnosis, meditation, and guided visualization. Also launched Inner Calm 7-day program. Deep breathing alone calms our nervous system (via the vagus nerve), which is why breathing meditation is so fundamental. Check out our breathing session and body scan in the app.
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Claire Aristides is a hypnotherapist, visualization & mindset consultant and founder of Mindology.App. After completing her Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Claire entered the IT business world and started the successful jewelry brand Aristides Fine Jewels. Hypnosis has had a significant impact in both the business and personal areas of Claire's life, and she shares this passion for hypnosis with her clients. Check out her work here and follow Claire on Instagram.
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