We practice mindfulness to be present to our experience: to appreciate the moment for what it is without bias or distraction, as well as notice when states of mind arise that do not serve us so we can do something about it. This is not an anxious self-conscious feeling but a heartfelt presence. Once we have practice mindfulness for a while we have the ability to achieve what I call complete saturation. This means that we know what our body feels like in the present moment, what our feelings are in the present moment, as well as every single thought that arises in our mind in the present moment. We completely saturate every part of our being with presence. A person who cultivates complete saturation of mindfulness has a deep appreciation for the moment, as well as a constant presence to the thinking mind and what serves or not.
When we begin mindfulness practice we may only be truly mindful at certain times of the day, when we remember to. If we have an alarm or timer that reminds us to be mindful we may be more than occasionally. Once mindfulness becomes a part of us, a deepening of presence to the moment that is as natural as looking with our eyes, it becomes complete saturation mindfulness. It is a practice, but one that bears great fruit. From this kind of mindfulness we can become conscious cultivators of virtue as well as wisdom. With this type of mindfulness we become deeply peaceful, and are able to handle the stresses of life easier, with resilience that comes from deep presence. May you cultivate mindfulness during your day that you may answer the call to experience in the present moment, and learn to navigate your own thoughts with grace.