Mindfulness and meditation are related practices that can be used to cultivate greater self-awareness and inner peace, but they are not the same thing.
Meditation is a broad term that refers to a range of techniques that involve focusing the mind and attention to achieve a state of calm and relaxation. Different types of meditation may involve visualisation’s, mantras, or breathing techniques.
Visualization meditation, also known as guided imagery meditation, creative visualization or Yoga Nidra, is a type of meditation that involves using the power of imagination to create mental images or scenes in the mind's eye. Additionally, visualization meditation can help a person gain clarity and focus on their goals, and can be a useful tool for improving performance in various areas of life, such as sports, public speaking, or creative pursuits. Visualization meditation can be practiced on its own or as part of a broader meditation practice that includes other techniques such as breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation.
Mantra meditation is a type of meditation that involves repeating a specific word, sound, or phrase, known as a mantra, in order to quiet the mind and achieve a state of deep relaxation and inner peace. The word "mantra" comes from Sanskrit and means "mind instrument" or "tool for the mind."In mantra meditation, a person may sit in a comfortable position with their eyes closed, and repeat the mantra either out loud or silently to themselves. It is important to choose a mantra that resonates with you and feels comfortable to repeat.Mantra meditation can be practiced on its own or as part of a broader meditation practice that includes other techniques such as breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation.
Breathing techniques meditation, also known as breath awareness meditation or mindful breathing, is a type of meditation that focuses on the breath as the main object of attention. A person may be guided to take deep breaths or to simply observe the natural rhythm of their breath without trying to change it. The purpose of breathing techniques meditation is to help calm the mind and body, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation. By focusing on the breath, a person can cultivate a greater sense of awareness and mindfulness, which can help them stay more present in the moment and less distracted by their thoughts and emotions.
The goal of meditation is often to achieve a state of stillness and mental clarity, and it can be used to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and increase concentration.
Mindfulness, on the other hand, is a specific form of meditation that involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness meditation often involves focusing on the breath or other physical sensations and observing thoughts and emotions as they arise without getting caught up in them. The goal of mindfulness is to develop greater awareness and acceptance of one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences, which can lead to a greater sense of inner peace and well-being.
In summary, meditation is a general term for various practices that aim to achieve mental calmness and relaxation, while mindfulness is a specific type of meditation that involves paying attention to the present moment with acceptance and non-judgment. To get you started Healthy Minds Program endorsed by the New York Times and gets 4.9 star reviews.
However I have always liked with Mary Maddux’s Guided Meditations, which is the easiest way to start to learn how to meditate without having to sit in posture, be uncomfortable, and without that religious connotation. She has been teaching modern meditation for almost 30 years . A nice Youtube video with Mary in conversation about her meditation journey.
Also links to her podcasts where she shares free versions of her meditation tapes. The “belly breathing for anxiety” gets great reviews:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meditation-oasis/id204570355
https://open.spotify.com/track/2G4xev42syGqQtCsGm0zFo?si=cyoOGBbKRryukSaUAToXnA
Below, some of her tapes can be purchased:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/simply-being-guided-meditation/id347418999
Relax & Rest Guided Meditation
Guided Meditations for Relaxation, Sleep, & Anxiety