There are plenty of quotes out there and that's great because a good quote has the ability to sum up something meaningful (and sometimes not so meaningful) in just a few words. Here's our selection of 7 top mindfulness quotes with a little interpretation from us of what they reveal about life.
1. Buddha on 'the present moment'
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."
This captures the essence of mindfulness: bringing our attention to the present moment - the only moment we can ever be sure of.
2. Jon Kabat-Zinn on 'the real meditation'
"The real meditation is how you live your life."
The godfather of modern Western mindfulness meditation reminds us that it is a practice to help illuminate our life and fully experience how we live it.
3. Sonia Ricotti on 'faith in what will be'
"Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be."
A key component of mindfulness, and one which can sometime cause difficulty - is the concept of acceptance: "surrender to what is" and "have faith in what will be." But we like this for its sense of release from the past and the subsequent freedom of letting go. There is also a feeling of 'Que Sera, sera' - whatever will be, will be. We cannot always change the events that happen to us in life, but we can choose how we respond to them.
4. Thich Nhat Hanh on 'joy and happiness'
"The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it."
Zen Master and one of the best known gurus on mindfulness meditation in the world today. Here Hanh talks of the pleasure of any given moment, if we are really present in it and give it our full attention.
5. Sharon Salzberg on 'mindfulness'
"Mindfulness isn't difficult. We just need to remember to do it. "
The practice of mindfulness and mindful meditation in itself isn't difficult, once you are shown the technique, but continuing to remain present in any moment does require awareness - of when your thoughts are not present or when you are being judgemental of your situation or surroundings, or your mind is elsewhere.
6. Mother Teresa on 'all we need'
"Be happy in the moment, that's enough. Each moment is all we need, not more."
When we live in a world of materialism Mother Teresa's simple and profound words can cut through that and draw our attention to the power of now.
7. A A. Milne on 'today'
"What day is it?" asked Pooh. "It's today," squeaked Piglet. "My favourite day," said Pooh.
And finally - trust Winnie the Pooh, and by association A A Milne, to remind us to take pleasure in every day and to treat each as your favourite. Many Pooh-isms are true of life in general - perhaps that's why they hold such a special place in our hearts.
