How to Practice Mindfulness (Buddhism)

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Practicing mindfulness is about controlling the way you think about the world. You must learn to live in the present moment and how to focus your attention on only the matters you choose to focus on. Mindfulness involves observing the world around you without judgement. Experiencing emotion is not counter to the effective practice of mindfulness, in fact it is an important part of it. Learning to let those emotions go, however, is just as important.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Paying Attention on Purpose

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  1. Mindfulness is about becoming more aware of your thoughts. [1] Don’t allow yourself to ruminate on things without doing so intentionally. Make a conscious effort to focus on things specifically and not let your mind wander. [2]
    • It’s easy to get caught up in your feelings about the events of the day, personal relationships or stresses at work, but practice making yourself focus only on subjects you want to think about.
    • Being able to control your focus on things going on outside of you is the first step to being able to control your focus on what is going on within you.
    • Be mindful of when your mind wanders and when it does, focus to bring your attention back to what you choose to pay attention to.
  2. Mindfulness and awareness are similar, but aren’t quite the same thing. Knowing that you are speaking to someone is not the same as being mindful of how you speak to them. Pay attention to the things that you do and say, as well as your motivations. [3]
    • Most people travel through life on a form of auto-pilot, just acting and reacting as the need arises.
    • Paying attention to how you act is a good way to take a stock of who you are and who you want to be.
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  3. Paying attention to what you are doing and where you are focused is all part of giving what you do purpose. Purpose can be a wide variety of things that includes the purpose of focusing your attention, or being present as you accomplish tasks you set out to do. [4]
    • Being aware of who you are, what you’re thinking, and what you’re doing to help you identify the purpose of your actions.
    • Focus your attention on what you are doing, what you are feeling, and what is going on in the present moment.
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Part 2
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Living in the Present Moment

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  1. It isn’t uncommon for people to get hung up on things that have happened in the past, but doing so can have a negative effect on your mindfulness. Nothing you do now can change what has already happened. [5]
    • When you feel yourself slipping into focusing on the past, intentionally drive your focus back to the present moment. [6]
    • Remember to adopt the lessons you gain, without focusing on past events.
  2. There’s nothing wrong with planning for your future, but when you allow your plans, fears or concerns about the future affect your daily life it becomes an issue. Practicing mindfulness means keeping your attention squarely in the present moment. [7]
    • Plan for the future, but don’t allow yourself to get caught up in worrying about what may or may not happen.
    • Thinking too much about the future won’t allow you to fully appreciate what is happening right now.
  3. In the Western World, many of us have grown dependent on the clock. We check it constantly, paying attention to how much time has passed since we started something, or how much time is left before we can move to the next thing. Stop living your life based on how time elapses and start focusing on what is going on right now. [8]
    • Checking the time isn’t a problem, but your attention to the passage of it can be. Try going through your day without glancing at the clock as often.
    • When you stop worrying about how much longer you have to wait for something, you can begin to appreciate what is going on right now.
  4. [9] Being productive is important, but sometimes it can be just as important to allow yourself to do nothing. Spend some time alone, sitting quietly and focusing on experiencing the world around you exactly as it is. [10]
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Part 3
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Paying Attention Without Passing Judgement

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  1. [14] Now that you have your attention squarely in the present, you may find yourself observing things you may not have noticed before. An important part of practicing being mindful is having the ability to observe what goes on around you without associating judgement to it. [15]
    • Try to observe your surroundings objectively. Don’t place blame or look down on others for their actions, instead empathize with their situation.
    • By focusing on staying in the present moment, it becomes easier not to judge others, as judgement tends to come from a prediction of how one’s behavior will affect the future.
  2. Mindfulness is not always happiness. Being mindful means being willing to let go of the past, regardless of the positive or negative emotions associated with it. [16]
    • If you are truly in the present, you can appreciate the positive moments in your life without worrying that they will end.
    • It is more difficult to experience the positive moments in your present if you are comparing them to those that may have come before it.
  3. Mindfulness is about existing in the present and letting go of judgments, fears, regrets and expectations. That does not, however, mean that you should be stoic or without emotion. Instead, embrace your emotions, but allow them to pass like the weather. You can’t control the weather, nor can you control how things make you feel. [17]
    • Negative emotions are like thunderstorms, they may come when you least expect or would prefer, but ruminating over them won’t make them pass by any sooner.
    • As positive and negative emotions rise and fade away, let them pass. Do not allow yourself to cling to emotions by letting your mind drift into the past or future.
  4. Mindfulness requires being in the present without judgement, but understand that not all people choose to pursue such a method of thinking. You will encounter people that are caught up in negativity, or who are experiencing a very difficult time. Again, letting go of the past and future does not equate to detachment. Practice empathy for others. [18]
    • Treat others well, and focus on the way it makes you feel in the moment.
    • Don’t expect everyone to adopt the same perspective as you. Practicing mindfulness is a personal journey, and letting go of judgement includes not judging others for their inability to let go of their own pasts and futures.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What are the benefits of meditation?
    James Brown
    Meditation Coach
    James Brown is a San Francisco Bay Area-based teacher of Vedic Meditation, an easy and accessible form of meditation with ancient roots. James completed a rigorous 2-year study program with Vedic masters, including a 4-month immersion in the Himalayas. James has taught thousands of people, individually, and in companies such as Slack, Salesforce, and VMWare.
    James Brown
    Meditation Coach
    Expert Answer
    Meditation has been known to relieve stress, help with depression and anxiety, and even reduce your chances of getting cancer.
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  • Question
    How can I meditate for long hours?
    Ira Israel
    Religious Studies Expert
    Ira Israel is a Religious Studies Expert and Psychotherapist who has been in private practice for over 14 years. He specializes in teaching others about happiness and authenticity. Ira teaches sold-out Happiness and Authenticity workshops at Esalen Institute and Kripalu Center and has written over 400 articles on psychology, philosophy, Buddhism, yoga, film, art, music & literature for The Huffington Post, Good Men Project, Mind Body Green, Thrive Global, and Medium. Ira is also the author of How to Survive Your Childhood Now That You’re an Adult: A Path to Authenticity and Awakening. He attended The University of Pennsylvania and has graduate degrees in Psychology, Philosophy, and Religious Studies.
    Ira Israel
    Religious Studies Expert
    Expert Answer
    Take it slow and increase the length of your meditation sessions over time. It's essentially the same as weight-lifting—just as you bench-press to increase your muscle strength, you practice mindfulness to increase the strength of your own mind.
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  • Question
    How can I practice mindfulness easier?
    James Brown
    Meditation Coach
    James Brown is a San Francisco Bay Area-based teacher of Vedic Meditation, an easy and accessible form of meditation with ancient roots. James completed a rigorous 2-year study program with Vedic masters, including a 4-month immersion in the Himalayas. James has taught thousands of people, individually, and in companies such as Slack, Salesforce, and VMWare.
    James Brown
    Meditation Coach
    Expert Answer
    Try to pay attention to the present moment as best as you can. Don't get too caught up in the past or things in the future.
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      References

      1. ↑ Peggy Rios, PhD. Counseling Psychologist. Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.
      2. ↑ http://www.insightmeditationcenter.org/books-articles/articles/mindfulness-meditation-as-a-buddhist-practice/
      3. ↑ http://www.wildmind.org/applied/daily-life/what-is-mindfulness
      4. ↑ http://www.wildmind.org/applied/daily-life/what-is-mindfulness
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200811/the-art-now-six-steps-living-in-the-moment
      6. ↑ James Brown. Meditation Coach. Expert Interview. 3 April 2019.
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200811/the-art-now-six-steps-living-in-the-moment
      8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200811/the-art-now-six-steps-living-in-the-moment
      9. ↑ Ira Israel. Licensed Counselor and Psychotherapist. Expert Interview 17 June 2022.
      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200811/the-art-now-six-steps-living-in-the-moment
      2. ↑ Peggy Rios, PhD. Counseling Psychologist. Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.
      3. ↑ Ira Israel. Licensed Counselor and Psychotherapist. Expert Interview 17 June 2022.
      4. ↑ Ira Israel. Licensed Counselor and Psychotherapist. Expert Interview 17 June 2022.
      5. ↑ James Brown. Meditation Coach. Expert Interview. 3 April 2019.
      6. ↑ http://www.insightmeditationcenter.org/books-articles/articles/mindfulness-meditation-as-a-buddhist-practice/
      7. ↑ http://www.insightmeditationcenter.org/books-articles/articles/mindfulness-meditation-as-a-buddhist-practice
      8. ↑ http://www.awakin.org/read/view.php?tid=416
      9. ↑ http://www.insightmeditationcenter.org/books-articles/articles/mindfulness-meditation-as-a-buddhist-practice/
      10. ↑ Ira Israel. Licensed Counselor and Psychotherapist. Expert Interview 17 June 2022.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Mindfulness is about living in the present moment and observing the world around you without judgement. To be more mindful, practice focusing on your thoughts and emotions as they come and go. When you catch yourself resisting unpleasant thoughts and emotions, just relax and let them come and go on their own. Similarly, when you find yourself thinking about the past or stressing about the future, bring your focus back to the present moment and what’s going on around you. As this becomes more natural, your mind should feel clearer and less anxious. You can do this at any point during the day, but setting aside time to sit and meditate regularly can help you become more mindful faster. For more tips, including how to avoid judging yourself and other people, read on!

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