I did one of my MS degrees on Mindfulness. It works amazing in a classroom

For me, it's about being aware of my thoughts - or as a teacher once called it: Stinkin' Thinkin'. I am by nature a happy person but life gives you lemons now and then. And as the saying goes: It's not what happens to you, it's how you deal with it that counts. Mindfulness and meditation help with the "lemon" days - what is important? Thinking back to Ram Dass' book "Be Here Now" is a comfort to me after all I've been through.

Thanks for all your comments! I like to think of it this way: pretty much all religious traditions have some element of contemplative life.

All of the rituals and hokum beliefs that come as a result of the human interpretation of their subjective experience. However, we need to be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water. I believe there is truth to be found about the human mind in meditative or contemplative practice.

It isn’t metaphysical or supernatural, but rather meta-awareness, the ability to “see” what is happening in the present moment, thoughts, sensations, environment, and to not be identified with it. This gives space for us to be less reactive and more compassionate towards others.

As someone who deals with anxiety issues I have found mindfulness to be somewhat effective. During a panic attack I find I am not able to focus on inanimate objects in my environment to help ground myself. I have found the most useful tool I have are my cats. By simply allowing myself to feel their fur, their breathing, their heartbeat I am able to get out of my own head and calm myself.

Been meditating daily for over a year and feel it helps me be less reactive to adversity. I set aside 20 minutes twice a day to just be quiet. This simple routine enables me to disengage from thought.

Mindfulness need not have anything to do with meditation or relaxation. A modern psychological take on mindfulness is 'being in the present'. As such you can do it with your eyes open. Notice the sensations your body feels, hears, sees, smells, tastes. Notice if your shoulders are tense or your hands are clenched. Just notice. And be an observer of your thoughts. People think they ARE their thoughts. But if you observe, all sorts of things pop randomly in your mind. Step back and observe those thoughts....letting the come and go. You don't have to believe everything that pops into your mind

None of the options work for me. I like mindfulness as it is a mechanical practice with no religious connotations. However, like many things, it’s OK for a few weeks, and then the tv seems more user friendly.

Benefits of meditation? so just a state of mind thing gotcha. FAKE NEWS!

I have found that it's a gateway... to sleep.

I have found that it's a gateway... to sleep.

Sam Harris approves so all the cool kids have to hop the bandwagon.

Every so often they come up with a new label for something that's been around forever. We used to call it, taking a minute for ourselves.

I tried to think about what you said, but then I got distracted...

If you have healthcare insurance I promise that their website will provide a ton of information on this subject. I was on board with meditation till I realized how much my insurance company was on board. Of course they want me to believe it decreases stress and anxiety. It's not like I can file a claim for mindfulness and be reimbursed.

I have zero interest.

I admit that I'm curious about it and will look more into it. Not going to say one way or the other until I have more info.

Relaxation and focusing techniques are useful. Spiritual woo distracts from what is really useful.

Herbert Benson, with The Relaxation Response, validated the science of meditation in the 70's.

I meditate. No woowoo, just relaxation.