Mindfulness For the Wandering Mind

CHAPTER FIVEMindfulness: What It Is and Isn't

Overview

There are many misconceptions people have when it comes to mindfulness. This chapter addresses some of the misconceptions, such as: It's just for monks, and it can only be practiced sitting cross‐legged.

With a basic understanding of how our mind works, we can move on to defining what mindfulness is, and, just as importantly, what it is not. It is all too common that when we come across advertisements for mindfulness and meditation, we see an attractive person wearing a yoga outfit, sitting cross‐legged on a mat with their eyes closed, peacefully facing an ocean, mountain, or other serene landscape. This depiction leads to the conclusion that to engage in meditation, we must look and dress a certain way, while also being in nature.

Of course, situating oneself in a nonurban environment with minimal distractions can be extremely helpful. However, the reality is that most of our waking moments are spent in a busy office surrounded by colleagues, with a schedule packed with daily meetings, phone calls, and tasks. Afterward, we are stuck in an hour‐plus commute via car or public transportation, and the moment we get home, family responsibilities await. If we spend more than half of our waking life in work‐related responsibilities and personal obligations, who has time to sit in front of a mountain to meditate? Fortunately, ...