Mindfulness vs. Meditation: What’s the Difference?
Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
Mindfulness and meditation are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. While they complement each other beautifully, each has its unique focus and benefits. Understanding the difference can help you use both effectively in the classroom—and beyond.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment. It’s about paying attention to what’s happening right now—without judgment. This can include noticing your thoughts, emotions, or the sensations in your body.
Think of mindfulness as a skill you can use throughout the day. It doesn’t require a specific time, place, or posture. Whether you’re walking, eating, or even talking to a friend, mindfulness invites you to be aware of your experience in real time.
Famous definitions of mindfulness include:
“Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn
“The quality and power of mind that is deeply aware of what’s happening—without commentary or interference.” — Joseph Goldstein
In the classroom, mindfulness might look like students taking a moment to breathe before a test, or simply noticing the feel of a pencil in their hand as they write.
What is Meditation?
Meditation, on the other hand, is a structured practice where you set aside time to focus your mind. It often involves specific techniques, such as focusing on your breath, repeating a mantra, or visualizing a peaceful scene.
While mindfulness can be practiced anywhere, meditation is usually done in a controlled environment—like a quiet classroom during a Mindful Minute. It’s a time to intentionally train the mind to achieve a sense of calm and clarity.
Key characteristics of meditation include:
Purposeful Focus: Meditation involves concentrating on a single object, thought, or sensation.
Guided or Unguided: Meditations can be led by a teacher or audio recording, or done independently.
Active Rest: Meditation helps the brain and body relax while remaining alert.
Dreamwalkers Meditations, for example, guide students through structured sessions that combine storytelling, breathing, and visualization to create a calming experience.
Mindfulness vs. Meditation: A Simple Analogy
One way to think about the difference is with this analogy:
Mindfulness is realizing you’re hungry. It’s the awareness of your body and your needs in the moment.
Meditation is making yourself a sandwich. It’s the intentional act of nourishing your mind through focused practice.
Both are valuable, but they serve different purposes. Mindfulness keeps you tuned into the present moment, while meditation provides the tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience.
Why Both Matter in the Classroom
Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into the school day offers a double benefit. Mindfulness helps students stay present and focused during lessons, while meditation gives them the skills to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and improve their overall well-being.
For example:
A mindful breathing exercise can help students reset after recess.
A six-minute Mindful Minute meditation can provide deeper relaxation and emotional regulation.
Together, these practices create a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Scientific Backing for Both Practices
Both mindfulness and meditation are backed by extensive research:
Mindfulness: A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that mindfulness exercises improved students’ attention spans and reduced impulsivity in the classroom.
Meditation: Research from Harvard Medical School shows that meditation increases gray matter in the brain, enhancing learning, memory, and emotional regulation.
The combination of mindfulness and meditation offers a powerful toolkit for fostering calm, focus, and resilience in students.
How to Get Started
At Dreamwalkers Meditations, we believe in making mindfulness and meditation accessible for educators and students alike. Our Mindful Minutes combine both practices, providing a guided experience that’s easy to integrate into any school day.
Here’s how to begin:
Start Small: Introduce mindfulness with a one-minute breathing exercise.
Incorporate Meditation: Play a Dreamwalkers Mindful Minute to guide students through a focused practice.
Reflect: Encourage students to share their experiences through discussion or journaling.
By weaving mindfulness and meditation into your classroom routine, you’ll create an environment that supports both learning and personal growth.