“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
— Thích Nhất Hạnh
You’ve probably heard the words mindfulness and meditation used interchangeably. Maybe you’ve even used them that way yourself—and honestly, it’s easy to do. Both are about slowing down, tuning in, and finding peace in the present moment. But here’s the thing: while they’re connected, they’re not quite the same.
If you’ve ever wondered what sets mindfulness apart from meditation, this article is for you. Let’s break it down simply, without any jargon or spiritual overwhelm.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the quality of being fully present and aware. It’s noticing what’s happening around you and within you, without judging it. That means you’re not trying to change anything. You’re just there with it.
It could be as small as taking a few seconds to really taste your tea. Feeling the warmth of the cup, smelling the aroma, savoring the flavour. That’s mindfulness. It doesn’t need a mat or incense or silence. It just needs your attention.
Mindfulness can happen anytime, anywhere:
- Washing dishes.
- Listening to a friend without planning your reply.
- Take a deep breath before replying to a triggering message.
It’s like training your mind to stay in the moment, rather than spinning off into stories about the past or worries about the future.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a practice. It’s something you do deliberately—usually sitting still, eyes closed, tuning into a focus point like your breath, a sound, or a visualization.
Think of meditation like going to the gym but for your mind. You set aside a few minutes a day to train your focus, calm your nervous system, and return to a state of balance. Over time, that practice spills over into your daily life—making mindfulness easier to access when things get messy or stressful.
There are many forms of meditation:
- Breath-focused meditation
- Body scan meditation
- Loving-kindness meditation
- Guided visualizations
- Transcendental meditation
- Chanting or mantra-based meditation
If you’re curious about going deeper, this session beautifully explains the different states of meditation and how they show up in your practice.
Some are spiritual, some are more therapeutic. You can even check out the different types of Meditation on SoulSensei to see what works for your energy and mood.
How Are They Different?
Here’s the simplest way to put it:
Mindfulness is a state. Meditation is a practice. You can be mindful while walking your dog, brushing your teeth, or having a difficult conversation.
But when you’re meditating, you’re carving out time to practise stillness, focus, or introspection more intentionally. Meditation often teaches you mindfulness.
One leads to the other, but they’re not the same.
Do You Need Both?
Not necessarily—but they do support each other.
Mindfulness keeps you grounded in daily life. It helps you catch those moments when you’re rushing, reacting, or numbing out. Meditation, on the other hand, gives you the space to sit with yourself, recharge, and reset.
Think of mindfulness as little sips of water throughout the day. Meditation is like sitting down for a long, nourishing drink.
If you’re just starting out, you don’t need to commit to 30-minute meditations or a perfect mindfulness routine. Start small:
- Pause and breathe before you open your phone in the morning.
- Close your eyes and feel your body on your seat for one minute.
- Notice the sun on your face during your walk.
These little acts build up. They open the door to deeper awareness, calm, and connection.
If you’re someone who struggles to sit still, mindfulness might feel more accessible at first. If you’re craving deep rest or clarity, meditation might be the balm you need.
Find what feels right for you. Both paths lead to the same place: presence, peace, and a richer connection with your life.
Mindfulness and meditation aren’t things to ‘achieve.’ There’s no perfect way to do them. You’ll get distracted. You’ll forget. That’s part of it.
The moment you notice you’ve drifted? That is the practice.
Come back. Gently. Again and again.
At SoulSensei, explore live sessions and meditations that help you experience both mindfulness and meditation — your way, at your pace.
