There are lots of different types of meditation practice. Guided meditation is just one of many but has its roots in mindfulness meditation. But what is mindfulness meditation? It is a technique, a mental discipline by which with practice you learn to go beyond the reflexive thinking mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Something that can be achieved quite easily through time and habit.

Mindfulness meditation practice can also help you to achieve different goals – from tuning into a higher state of consciousness to greater focus, creativity, self awareness or simply gaining a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind. What ever your aim the practice of mindfulness meditation can also help you achieve your targets quicker and with only a few minutes regular practice.

The meditator with a´no effort attitude´remains in the here and now, using focus as an anchor to bring everything back to the present. Concentrating on using the mind to gain access to a deeper level and to devote attention solely on what the meditator is seeing and experiencing.

Mindfulness meditation can also be practiced whilst walking – being aware of every step, giving your whole attention and focus on one thing at a time. Being aware of exactly what you are doing. The gentleness of the feeling and the grace of the body´s movement whilst walking helps breakdown the automatic mental responses and encourages the deeper state of awareness of the present moment.

Practicing mindfulness meditation slows the rapidness of the thinking mind down and allows for a different perspective.

Jon Kabat-Zinn leads a session on Mindfulness at Google.