There are many practices and definitions of mindfulness. I will give you my perspective as a person with ADHD and a very busy mind.

Mindfulness is awareness of the activity of the mind. The goal of mindfulness is to create an enduring state of balance and peace which the Japanese call, ‘Anshin Ritsumi.’ Often, the practice of mindfulness allows for a greater understanding of the ways dualistic thinking creates suffering.

The practice of mindfulness is usually breath based which can be simple or complex, formal or informal, easy or difficult. Because of my ADHD, I find that ‘less is more,’ so I use rising/falling breath.

Successful practitioners find that is easier to make friends with the mind’s distractions rather than fighting against what is. It is this very simplicity that makes the practice of mindfulness seem like a struggle for beginners.

@skinner Great question to ask. I'd like to invite @artscaping to the conversation as she has practiced mindfulness for some time now and is our resident expert.
@cstaryos has given a beautiful description of how mindfulness has helped ADHD.

Good evening @skinner and thank you @rwinney forthe introduction. I certainly am not an expert in mindfulness. However, I have been practicing with an amazing teacher for about five years now. I am beginning to see the results of the daily mindfulness practice. You might hear words like "show up",, "be present", "open your generous heart" and " demonstrate non judgemental acceptance." Already, others have posted their positive experiences with this simple process.

Mindfulness is taught in elementary schools to help students focus on posiive behaviors. There is a pretty thorough explanation on Wikipedia. I want to share one of my joyful days when mindfulness was present and working well for me.

About a year ago I was taken to the ER early in the morning with pain and digestive issues. As the medical professionals began to take over, I realized that my mindfulness practice was working. Instead of being negative and argumentative, I found that I was automatically welcoming every provider with gratitude and appreciation for their efforts on my behalf. I also found that this mindfulness attitude eradicated my fear and helped me tolerate the pain. My brain was doing a great job of staying present and positive.

You may wish to research the word neuroplasticity as it is the foundation for understanding the process at its roots. I remember calling my mindfulness teacher and sharing my excitment when I realized that
mindfulness was taking over. I was thrilled.

May you be safe, protected and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris

Mindfulness is been aware of the present moment of what the mind is engaged in .
Also been aware of what you are doing in this very moment without allowing the mind to drift into past or future.