Is Mindfulness the Same as Meditation?

Some people say that mindfulness is the a type of meditation. Some say that meditation is a type of mindfulness.

Both are true. Mindfulness is simply present-moment awareness, so it can be done in the format of sitting meditation, or it can be done in everyday activity such as walking, eating, or exercising. From that perspective, it seems to be a matter of semantics, and there is no real difference.

But if we pause and consider this question more deeply, we realize that there is a question behind this question: What is the direction of mindfulness practice, and does meditation share this same direction?

There are two types of meditation, broadly speaking: Tune-out meditation and tune-in meditation. Tune-out meditation is tuning out what is happening in the present moment, and going to a different (more pleasant/serene) place. Tune-in meditation is tuning in to what is happening in the present moment. That means connecting and staying with our actual experience in the here and now, tuning in to our actual experience in this moment, whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, whether it is serene or chaotic.

Mindfulness is tune-in meditation. Mindfulness is a practice of contacting and returning to present moment reality. During our practice, we may often drift off and wander off into the future, past, and fantasies, but the direction of mindfulness is always pointing back to the present moment. The direction of mindfulness meditation is to tune in to the present moment: See clearly, hear clearly, and take in each moment as it is.

When we make the shift to live in the present, we can practice mindfulness any time, any place. Tune-in meditation is compatible with any activity, from brewing coffee to doing a presentation. In fact, by tuning in and being fully present, we may even find that there is a reservoir of energy, spontaneity, and creativity that will support and enhance whatever we are doing in the moment.