Are you mindful or spiritual? Let look at both practices, how they are used and then you can decide.
Recently, the word ‘mindfulness’ began to be used in our culture. A decade ago, you never heard this term! Now it shows up on the Dr. Oz show, in yoga classes, in pop culture and even as the title of best seller books. Does mindfulness mean “full of mind?” Not really, Wikipedia says it like this:
“Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique”
I think of it more simply; paying attention on purpose, in the moment, without judgment.
History shows that mindfuless has deep roots in Buddhism and is used as a meditation practice; watching the breath and moving toward an enlightened state (like the Buddha).
All of this is great. I love being ‘fully present’. I love being “in the moment.” And, who doesn’t want enlightenment? So yes, I love and practice mindfulness and mention it often in my yoga classes.
But, what I am really about is Spirituality.
And there is no wide agreed upon definition of the word Spirituality! Even the experts are in a conundrum about what it means. You could define it as:
“the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.”
But, then you might have to have conversations about what is a soul, what is the human spirit and does that mean you have to give all of your money away?
So, let me suggest keeping it simple. I define spirituality as the practice of connecting to something bigger than you. Daily.
This just excites me a little bit more than being aware and paying attention. Call me old fashioned, but I like a sprinkling of Spirit in my life.
If fact, let’s suggest that Webster come up with a new word. Spirit-full. Spiritful.
Yes, FULL OF SPIRIT!
This is how I want to live; filled up daily with a cup of Spirit.
Namaste, Linda
www.cosmicyogawithlinda.com Spiritual Practices for Wise Women