Mindfulness Practice
Discover the Neuro-Semantics approach to mindfulness—developing awareness of awareness for greater clarity, emotional mastery, and authentic presence.
Want personalized guidance? Find a Mindfulness coach who can help you achieve lasting results.
Find a CoachWhat is Mindfulness in Neuro-Semantics?
Beyond simple relaxation—a way of being fully present
The NS Definition
In Neuro-Semantics, mindfulness is defined as "awareness of awareness" plus intention. It is not just paying attention to what you're thinking, feeling, or sensing—it is also being aware that you are aware. This meta-cognitive quality is what creates the space for choice and transformation.
The intentionality of mindfulness is crucial. You are not just noticing your experience—you are bringing acceptance, appreciation, and wonder to it. This reflexive quality turns ordinary awareness into a powerful tool for growth and change.
Awareness of Awareness
Mindfulness in Neuro-Semantics goes beyond attention to your thoughts—it includes awareness of your awareness itself, creating a meta-cognitive space for choice.
Intentional Quality
True mindfulness includes intention—not just noticing, but bringing purposeful awareness to each moment with acceptance and appreciation.
Meta-State Management
Develop the ability to choose your relationship to your thoughts and feelings, creating the frames that best serve your growth and wellbeing.
Uptime vs. Downtime
Two essential modes of awareness, both valuable
Uptime
Sensory awareness of the present moment—seeing, hearing, feeling what is actually happening now.
Benefits:
- Clear perception of reality
- Responsive rather than reactive
- Access to resources in the moment
- Connected to your environment
Downtime
Internal awareness focused on thoughts, memories, and imagination—inside your own mental world.
Benefits:
- Processing and reflection
- Planning and creativity
- Learning from experience
- Mental rehearsal and preparation
The key is flexibility: Many people spend most of their time in downtime—lost in thought, missing their actual life. Mindfulness training helps you access uptime when needed, and also use downtime more intentionally for reflection, creativity, and planning.
The Reflexive Qualities of Mindfulness
What makes awareness transformative
Beyond Observation
Mindfulness is not passive—it actively shapes your experience
Acceptance
Welcoming your experience without judgment or resistance. What is, is.
Appreciation
Finding value and worth in your present experience, even when challenging.
Awe
A sense of wonder at the mystery and complexity of being conscious.
These qualities are "reflexive" because they refer back to your awareness itself. You are accepting your awareness, appreciating your awareness, and experiencing awe at your capacity for awareness. This recursive quality is what makes mindfulness so powerful.
Quick Mindfulness Practices
Simple practices you can use anywhere
The Pause
Stop what you're doing, take three conscious breaths, and notice your present experience.
Sensory Check-In
Notice 3 things you see, 2 things you hear, and 1 thing you feel right now.
Frame Awareness
Identify your current mental frame. Ask: What am I assuming? What meaning am I creating?
The Long Form and The Short Way
Two approaches to developing mindfulness
The Long Form
Traditional meditation practice—dedicated time for formal mindfulness practice. This builds your capacity for sustained attention and deep awareness.
- • Daily sitting meditation (10-30 minutes)
- • Body scan practices
- • Walking meditation
- • Retreat practice for deepening
The Short Way
Informal practice—bringing mindfulness to everyday activities. This weaves awareness into the fabric of your daily life.
- • Mindful eating and drinking
- • Conscious transitions between activities
- • Present-moment check-ins
- • Brief pauses throughout the day
Both are valuable: The long form builds capacity; the short way integrates mindfulness into your life. Most people benefit from some combination of both. Even a few minutes of formal practice daily can significantly enhance your ability to be present.
Deepen Your Mindfulness Practice
Work with a Meta-Coach to develop mindfulness skills that support your emotional mastery and personal growth journey.