While mindfulness exercises do not need to be completed as a meditation, they certainly can be completed in that way. In fact, a longer, more focused exercise such as a meditation can be very helpful in boosting your mindfulness abilities.
Before you begin a mindfulness meditation, we would like to offer some forewarning. As a beginner to mindfulness, you will likely notice your mind wandering often during meditation. Some beginners find this frustrating and think they are failing at this practice. In reality, a wandering mind is not failing at mindfulness. Wandering is what minds do! Rather than becoming frustrated, stay in that observing mindset when your mind wanders. Acknowledge that your mind wandered away, be kind and patient with your wandering mind, and then refocus on your mindfulness activity. If you become judgmental and frustrated with your wandering mind, you are actively doing the very thing you are hoping to decrease through mindfulness. Just gently refocus on the activity. Your mind will wander less with time and practice, so be patient with this process.
