Using a shortened list of questions (link) meant to test your mindfulness levels, I'll describe what it is (for me), and why it's so hard to get one's head around:
Do you...?
1. Experience emotion and not be conscious of it until later.
2. Spill things because you're thinking of something else.
3. Walk quickly, without paying attention to experiences along the way.
4. Not notice physical tension/discomfort until they grab your attention.
5. Forget a name almost as soon as you've been told it.
6. Run on automatic.
7. Listen to someone with one ear, do something else.
8. Drive places on 'automatic pilot', then wonder why you went there.
9. Find yourself preoccupied with future/past.
10. Snack without being aware that you're eating.
Except for #3 and #6 (walking past ugliness; automatically doing repetitive tasks), plus #9 ( preoccupations have their time in the sun, too), this gets at 'mindful'.
What's perhaps more interesting are the ways one can increase one's engagement:
* Self: One word: "why". Any time something doesn't feel right, ask yourself 'why'. Think about it, then let it go. Just pausing to ask 'why' every once in a while will eventually get you focused.
* Other: Watch TV while eating. Feed yourself every time you're enjoying what's going on. While chewing, ask yourself: "why do I like this?" This'll help coordinate eating with intent.
* Dating: When you have the chance, focus on the day of the year. Why's it special? Does it make you want to plan your dinner? talk to someone? read? dance? watch TV? There's a time for everything.
* Religion: If you need direction, most religions have ways of focusing on key questions, like meditation or prayer.
But, what is it? Simple; mindfulness is getting started on what makes you ask 'why'.
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