Right mindfulness is the seventh factor of the noble eightfold path, categorized under concentration. It is a key concept in Buddhist practice that invites us to cultivate clear and non-reactive, non-judgemental awareness of the present moment in all aspects of our lives. The Buddha taught that by developing right mindfulness, we can perceive things as they truly are, freeing ourselves from the distortions of our habitual thoughts and emotions.

Right mindfulness serves as the antidote to the distractions and mental clutter that frequently dominate our experience. It helps us recognize harmful thoughts and feelings as they arise, creating a space where they can be acknowledged and let go of, rather than being acted upon or allowed to fester. At the same time it is primarily about being aware of what is happening in the present moment without judgment, aversion or attachment. It helps us recognize our habitual mental patterns, both wholesome and unwholesome, and observe them without reacting, which gives us the space to make wiser choices in response to them.

Developing right mindfulness is a practice of gentle observation. It’s not about stopping thoughts or suppressing emotions, but rather about noticing them with clarity and acceptance. Mindfulness is essential for developing shamatha (calm abiding) and vipassana (insight). It is categorized into four aspects—mindfulness of body, feelings, mind, and phenomena.

As taught in the Satipatthana Sutra, the four foundations of mindfulness provide a systematic path to awakening: awareness of the body grounds attention in physical experience; feelings reveal how sensations influence perception; mind observes mental states; and phenomena examine the nature of reality. This practice is not passive but requires active engagement to cultivate insight. While mindfulness sharpens perception, true meditation goes beyond it, using mindfulness as a foundation for developing equanimity, deeper concentration and wisdom.

Right mindfulness is the practice of paying non-judgmental attention to the present moment, fostering awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations to gain clarity and wisdom.

For a short mindfulness practice, sit down, close your eyes, and breathe naturally, noticing any thoughts or feelings that arise. How does it feel to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment, without engaging with them, simply returning your attention gently to the breath?

• What did you notice about your thoughts and feelings when you simply observed them without trying to change or engage with them?
• Why might being able to observe our thoughts and feelings without immediate reaction or judgment be a helpful skill in our daily lives?
• What is the difference between mindful and unmindful thoughts and actions?

Analyze an experience of mindful pausing, evaluating immediate thoughts and feelings without judgment, and critiquing your chosen response.