Answer this question to the best of your ability:
How does practicing mindfulness affect the process of meditation?
Practicing mindfulness significantly impacts the process of meditation. Mindfulness is not just a component or an outcome of meditation, it's an essential skill that helps in deepening one's meditation practice. When you practice mindfulness, you learn to direct your attention to what's happening in the present moment without judgment. This skill allows you to observe your thoughts and feelings during meditation without getting caught up or distracted by them.

During meditation, when thoughts arise - as they inevitably will - a mindful approach helps you acknowledge these thoughts without getting attached or reactive to them. You learn to let them pass by like clouds in the sky, bringing your focus back to your chosen object of concentration. This non-judgmental awareness not only enhances the quality of your meditation but also increases your overall mental well-being.

By practicing mindfulness during meditation, you are training your brain to be more present and focused, which can lead to improvements in attention span, emotional regulation, and stress reduction. As a result, the practice of mindfulness within meditation enhances self-awareness and creates a stronger foundation for mental wellness.