What is mindfulness practices, and why does everyone from CEOs to kindergarten teachers seem to be talking about them? At its core, mindfulness is the act of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It sounds simple, almost too simple. But in a world full of notifications, deadlines, and mental clutter, staying present has become surprisingly difficult. Mindfulness practices offer a way to train attention and calm the mind. They don’t require special equipment, a spiritual background, or hours of free time. This guide breaks down what mindfulness practices are, where they come from, and how beginners can get started today. Key Takeaways Understanding Mindfulness and Its Origins Mindfulness practices trace their roots back over 2,500 years to Buddhist meditation traditions. The term “mindfulness” is a translation of the Pali word sati, which means awareness or attention. Early practitioners used mindfulness as part of a path toward spiritual awakening and freedom from suffering. In the 1970s, Jon Kabat-Zinn brought mindfulness to Western medicine. He founded the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. His work stripped away religious elements and focused on the practical benefits of present-moment awareness. This shift made mindfulness practices accessible