What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness refers to a set of attentional skills that become stronger over time. Recent research provides evidence that "people can develop skills that promote happiness and compassion." The aim of mindfulness training is not to achieve a temporary state of relaxation that is present when you meditate and then vanishes, but to gradually increase your baseline of concentration, sensory clarity and equanimity throughout the day -- ordinary life in higher definition.
• Concentration The ability to attend to what is considered relevant at a given time and to let go of what is determined to be irrelevant, any time you want, for as long as you want. Concentration power is the single most universally applicable and most deeply empowering skill that a human being can cultivate.
• Sensory clarity The ability to distinguish and keep track of the components of sensory experience as they arise in various combinations, moment-by-moment. The basic building blocks of sensory experience include physical-type sensations in the body, emotional-type sensations in the body, external visual stimuli, mental images, external sounds, and internal conversations.
• Equanimity A balanced state of non-interference. It can be thought of as an attitude of gentle matter-of-factness with regard to your sensory experience.
Consistent mindfulness practice cultivates a sensory palate that supports happiness or satisfaction regardless of conditions.