To be mindful is to allow yourself to perceive your present without looking back on the past or projecting the future.
Being aware of what is happening in the present allows your brain acknowledge the state of your emotions without being judgmental. Every activity that defines daily living can be carried out with mindfulness. It is important to recognize what is happening in the current moment but refrain from analyzing it. This is the only way to develop open-mindedness in decision-making and problem-solving.
Meditation is based on the state of being mindful by only focusing on one object of our present state which is breathing. Some people choose to focus on other aspects of the present moment such as sound and this becomes the reference point to which they return when they get distracted. If you are like most people, you probably think that being in a state of meditation means that the mind is blank from any form of thinking. This is wrong! Good meditation involves thoughts because it is only in dealing with the thoughts that invade your mind as you try to clear it that you succeed in it. By being aware of thoughts but avoiding them to focus on something else, you sharpen your mind to improve concentration.
There are many ways in which one can meditate and it is best to learn various techniques from someone who is an expert in the field. If you are keen enough, you may also find sitting in a group where people are meditating useful. Different people have mastered the art of meditation for different reasons and therefore teachers of meditation are in plenty.
Being mindful of what is happening in your body in terms of breathing works on the mind by focusing concentration on a single element. As the levels of concentration continue to rise, you will be able to feel a flow of energy rush through your body. This has the effect of opening up your senses and gaining an insight into the nature of the mind and body.
The mind controls all the actions of our bodies so it is obvious that it needs extra strength to keep up with our daily routines. While the mind is in most cases engrossed in strategizing and analyzing, it thrives on harmony and being calm. Mindful meditation tunes the mind into a position of strength without putting a lot of effort. By the end of a meditation session, you are supposed to think clearer on issues in your life.