Mindfulness is extremely difficult to define in words-not because it is complex, but because it is too simple and open. The same problem crops up in every area of human experience. The most basic concept is always the most difficult to pin down. Look at a dictionary and you will see a clear example. Long words generally have concise definitions, but short basic words like the and be, can have definitions a page long.
Defining mindfulness proves to be a complex task, not due to its intricacy, but rather because of its fundamental simplicity and openness to interpretation. This difficulty in defining basic concepts is a common issue across various aspects of human experience. Often, while longer and more complicated terms might have straightforward meanings, the simplest words require lengthy explanations to convey their essence.
For instance, when we consult a dictionary, we observe that simpler terms like "the" or "be" can come with extensive definitions, highlighting this paradox. In contrast, the essence of mindfulness, while inherently straightforward, eludes concise articulation. This reflects a broader tendency where our attempts to define basic, yet profound ideas can become overly complicated.
