A Beautiful Mind Is...

Meditation In Action: 5 Ways Mindfulness Can Help You Discover Inner Beauty 
Posted: 07/08/2013 8:16 am EDT  |  Updated: 07/09/2013 1:32 pm EDT

By Headspace

We all have ideas about what a healthy, happy body looks like but do we know what makes up the components of a healthy and happy mind? What does a "beautiful mind" really mean? What qualities of mind do we prize the most, and which ones best reflect this notion? And how does meditation support us to train our mind to be comfortable and able to take life in its stride? The meditation experts at Headspace explore 5 elements that make a beautiful mind. What does a happy mind mean to you? Join the discussion in the comments below -- we’d love to hear your thoughts.

A beautiful mind is ...
Calm.

Imagine a mind perfectly at ease with itself, with everything and everyone around it. It's a mind that is tranquil and serene, no matter how busy or quiet life may be. That's what it means to have a calm mind. Meditation simply gives you the necessary tools to facilitate this process, in a natural and effortless way.

A beautiful mind is ...
Grateful.

It's so easy to spend life chasing after all the things we don't have, the things that we want, the things we think will make us happy. Sometimes we're so busy chasing that we forget to notice the things we already have, the people in our lives and the fortunate circumstances in which we live. There's not much beautiful about a mind which is always craving more. So use meditation to develop a healthy sense of appreciation for what you have right now.

A beautiful mind is ...
Clear. 

Take a moment to picture a perfectly still pool of water, with not even a ripple on the surface. The water is so still, so clear, that you can see everything within it, even the things right at the bottom. This is the clarity of meditation. It's having the ability to see the mind -- to know the mind -- exactly as it is. Free from judgement and self-criticism, a clear mind is one that simply knows.

A beautiful mind is ...
Spontaneous.

Sometimes life seems repetitive: You feel stuck in a rut, like a hamster on a wheel. When you feel this way, life quickly loses it's magic, creativity and excitement. It's as if you are caught up in an internal dialogue, unable to get free. Meditation shows you how to step out of that dialogue, how to be present, living moment to moment with a natural spontaneity.

A beautiful mind is ...
Caring.

It's important to know how to make yourself happy. But just as important is the ability to bring happiness to the lives of others. How can you live with any sense of genuine happiness when those around you are unhappy? Meditation is a way of letting go of our own self-serving, self-interested desires, making way for a caring, compassionate and beautiful mind.

Want more tips on how to make meditation part of your day? Headspace is meditation made simple, accessible and relevant to your everyday life. Sign up for the free Take10 program to get the basics just right with guided audio programs and support to get your Headspace, anytime, anywhere on the Headspace app.