Most of us understand that mindfulness is a way to quiet ourselves and find some sort of peace. We may think of blue skies, soft winds, or our quiet, slow breath--the perfect sounds of silence. We are taught that mindfulness is an awareness experienced by paying attention on purpose. While it may sound like an obvious and natural task, mindfulness is more than a flawless moment of stillness and calm. It occurs by engaging in a being state of mind: a way to experience the quality of the present moment by intentionally connecting directly with life.