Strip Away the Incense

Mindfulness has an image problem. Mention it and people picture monks on mountaintops, chakras, and expensive retreats. Forget all of that. No crystals required, no spiritual beliefs needed.

Mindfulness is a cognitive skill, like mental arithmetic or critical thinking. It can be practiced, measured, and improved. It is also one of the more heavily studied ideas in modern psychology, with research linking regular practice to lower anxiety, less depression, and sharper focus — all from the simple act of paying attention on purpose.