> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/glossary-and-key-concepts/mindfulness-and-meditation-terms.md).

# Mindfulness & Meditation Terms

Core terms used across present-moment awareness, meditation, compassion, attention, and clinical mindfulness.

This page groups some of the most common terms readers encounter in mindfulness and meditation.

The full live glossary remains available at:

[THC Glossary of Mindful Living](https://www.theholisticcare.com/glossary)

## Mindfulness

The practice of deliberately noticing present-moment experience with less automatic judgement.

## Meditation

A broad family of practices that may include focused attention, open monitoring, compassion, mantra, body awareness, visualisation, self-inquiry, and other methods.

## MBSR

**Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction**, a structured program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and colleagues, originally in medical settings.

## MBCT

**Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy**, which integrates mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy principles and has been studied particularly in relation to recurrent depression.

## Metta

A loving-kindness practice that deliberately cultivates goodwill, often through repeated phrases directed toward oneself and others.

## Body scan

A practice of moving attention through different areas of the body, noticing sensation without requiring anything to change.

## Monkey mind

A common phrase for restless, rapidly shifting attention.

These definitions are orientation points. Historical, clinical, and traditional meanings can be more nuanced.

## Related guidance

* [Glossary & Key Concepts](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/glossary-and-key-concepts)
* [Nonduality & Advaita Terms](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/glossary-and-key-concepts/nonduality-and-advaita-terms)
* [Yoga & Pranayama Terms](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/glossary-and-key-concepts/yoga-and-pranayama-terms)


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