FOUNDATIONS
Attitude · Orientation · Practice
The Principles of Mindfulness by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn are widely regarded as foundations of contemporary Mindfulness. They describe inner orientations that support practice and the way attention is directed.
At NL MINDFUL, the Principles are explored as practical orientation for Meditation and life – highlighting in this context two additional essentials: Awareness and Self-Compassion.
The presentation below is an interpretation of NL MINDFUL.
PRINCIPLES · Jon Kabat Zinn
Patience
Giving ourselves time
Mindfulness invites an attitude of patience – allowing time for processes, developments, and decisions to unfold.
Patience helps us notice how quickly we want results.
It creates space between expectation and reality, supporting a calmer and more stable inner stance.
Beginner’s Mind
Seeing things in their freshness
Beginner’s Mind means approaching experiences as if for the first time.
This perspective allows us to step outside habitual thinking and meet situations with openness and curiosity. In doing so, we may discover new perspectives in places we thought we already knew.
Non-Judging
Aware of the judging voice
Much of our experience is accompanied by silent evaluation.
Mindfulness invites us to notice this inner commentary without immediately identifying with it.
Non-Judging brings Awareness to reactivity, allowing a greater clarity in perception and thinking.
Letting Go
Clinging can feel like being trapped
Holding tightly to thoughts, emotions, or expectations can intensify stress.
Letting Go does not mean indifference. It means recognising that experiences are constantly changing – and allowing them to move rather than tightening around them.
Trust
Trust in our capacity to meet life
Trust refers to confidence in our capacity to meet life as it unfolds, including challenging moments.
Within Mindfulness practice and life, trust can be supportive when engaging with uncertainty and difficulty.
Non-Striving
When balance returns
Mindfulness is not about perfection or performance.
Non-Striving invites us to pause the constant effort to improve, fix, or achieve. From a more balanced state, thoughtful action becomes possible.
Acceptance
The willingness to be with what is
Acceptance means acknowledging present conditions clearly, without resignation.
It involves recognising the difference between what can be changed and what cannot be changed.
As described by Diana Winston, it forms the basis for calm reflection, considered action, and inner steadiness.
Additions
Within this interpretation, NL MINDFUL highlights two attitudes as especially central to sustainable practice: Awareness and Self-Compassion:
Awareness
Waking up to the present moment
Awareness lies at the centre of Mindfulness practice.
Conscious perception creates space between stimulus and response. It can contribute to greater clarity in thinking and supports a mindful response to everyday stressors.
Compassion
A kind and balanced mind
Research describes Self-Compassion as an inner attitude that supports a balanced mind.
Under pressure, many people respond with harsh self-criticism. Cultivating Self-Compassion offers a different response – one that is steady, kind, and supportive rather than reactive.
“With self-criticism we are both the attacker and the attacked.“ Neff/Germer
Japanese Tee Ceremony
A quiet sense of wonder
At NL MINDFUL, the principles of Jon Kabat-Zinn are explored in practical contexts.
One example is the application of Beginner’s Mind through our Tea-Mind Meditation.
“The tea ceremony teaches us to meet each moment as if for the very first time – with openness, curiosity, and a quiet sense of wonder. In this spirit, we cultivate a morning routine that is both alert and at ease, allowing the start of the day to become a graceful and nourishing moment for ourselves” –
NL MINDFUL
Receive the Tea Mind Meditation:
contact@nl-mindful.com
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