What exactly is mindfulness, and how is it different from other forms of meditation?

Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment—right here, right now—with openness, curiosity, and compassion. It involves cultivating awareness of sensations, thoughts, and emotions as they arise, observing them without judgment. Unlike some forms of meditation that emphasize concentration on a single object (such as a mantra or visualization), mindfulness encourages an open, spacious awareness that allows you to connect deeply with the reality of each moment. The practice fosters presence, resilience, and self-understanding, supporting greater compassion and clarity. Mindfulness can be practiced in seated meditation, while walking or lying down, and even in everyday activities—like washing the dishes or drinking tea.

If this approach is based in Buddhist wisdom, does it mean I am joining a religion or need to change my spiritual beliefs?

No, not at all. While mindfulness and meditation have deep roots in Buddhist philosophy, they are not religious practices in themselves. Buddhism, in many ways, is less of a religion and more of a philosophy—a way of understanding the mind, engaging with the world, and cultivating inner peace. The foundational principles of mindfulness—such as awareness, compassion, kindness, generosity, and acceptance—are universal values that exist across many cultures, wisdom traditions, and spiritual paths.

At no point in our work together would you be asked to change your beliefs. In fact, mindfulness is an invitation to gently explore what you already believe most deeply, what resonates with your heart, and what aligns with your highest values. This journey is deeply personal and unique to each individual.

Whether you pray or don’t pray, whether you attend a church, temple, synagogue, mosque, or follow a secular path, mindfulness does not interfere with your faith—it simply helps you become more attuned to your thoughts, emotions, and actions, allowing you to live with greater clarity, intention, and alignment with your truth.

What if I can’t sit still?

It's not uncommon to notice restlessness or discomfort when starting a mindfulness practice, especially if you're not usually sitting still for extended periods. Remember, mindfulness is not about forcing yourself into a rigid posture but rather about the awareness and acceptance of what is happening right here, right now. If sitting still feels challenging, consider exploring alternative meditation postures such as walking meditation or lying down. You can also experiment with shorter meditation sessions and gradually increase the length as your practice evolves. The key is to approach your experience with gentleness and interest, recognizing that movement and discomfort are natural parts of the meditation journey and observing what happens with your sensations.

I have a hard time quieting my mind during meditation. How can I deal with racing thoughts and distractions?

Many people witness a busy mind during meditation, and it's essential to approach it with patience and compassion. Rather than trying to forcefully silence thoughts, blame ourselves, or assume that we are ‘just not good at meditation’, we can shift our attention to the breath or body sensations. Just like starting a new sport, skill, or exercise, we need to rehearse the practices of grounding ourselves in the present moment. Slowly, over minutes or multiple sessions, we will notice that the mind begins to settle. When distractions arise, we can acknowledge them without judgment and gently guide our focus back to the breath and body. Remember, the practice is not about achieving a perfectly calm or empty mind, but rather to strengthen our attention and ability to stay present with what arises - including thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations.

Can mindfulness meditation help with managing stress and anxiety in daily life?

Absolutely. Mindfulness meditation is a powerful tool for navigating the challenges of daily life, including stress and anxiety. As we practice our awareness, we slowly develop trust in ourselves and in mindfulness itself, which has the ability to hold all things. We develop the capacity to respond to stressors with greater resilience and equanimity. Through regular practice, we learn to observe our habitual reactions without getting caught up in them, creating space for more skillful responses. Mindfulness also promotes relaxation and soothes the nervous system, helping to reduce the physiological effects of stress. Over time, this practice fosters a sense of inner ease and well-being that can transform how we relate to stressors in our lives.

How does mindfulness enhance my relationships with others?

Mindfulness meditation is not only a personal practice, but also a deeply relational one. As we cultivate presence and compassion within ourselves, we naturally extend these qualities to our interactions with others. By becoming more attuned to our own emotions and reactions, we develop greater empathy and understanding for the experiences of those around us. Mindfulness helps us listen more deeply, communicate more authentically, and respond with kindness and clarity, all of which benefit more authentic connections and healthier relationships. Ultimately, the practice of mindfulness meditation can transform not only how we relate to ourselves but also how we show up in the world, creating a ripple effect of healing and connection.