A few weeks ago, the word “mindfulness” jumped out at me from a magazine rack by the checkout line.

This Time magazine special edition pictured a young lady with eyes blissfully closed and chin expectantly lifted towards the sky.

Not long after, I happened to see a news segment featuring Goldie Hawn and her foundation’s “MindUp” curriculum for students. The famous actress spoke about her passion for bringing the benefits of mindfulness to children. The camera then focused on a classroom of fifth graders, each examining a single raisin.

The word “mindfulness” popped up so often last month that I consider it the “resolution buzzword” of 2017.

But what exactly is mindfulness? A mumbo-jumbo fad, or a desirable state of being? How can we be expected to fit this concept into our busy, 21st-century lives?

Mindfulness is defined as a heightened awareness of the present, as opposed to mulling over the past or fretting about the future. This awareness can include noticing how we feel physically and emotionally, as well as observing our surroundings.

Key concepts associated with mindfulness are calm breathing, acceptance and gratitude.

But wait — where are the chanting monks and the silk cushions?

Some people claim that meditation is the same thing as mindfulness, but there is a slight difference. Meditation is any process through which we gain a mindful state.

Have you ever tried counting to 10 and breathing deeply when you get angry? Even just one minute of slow breathing can refocus our minds. This is a simple form of meditation — no cushions required.

Psychologists and neuroscientists have documented many health benefits in studies of individuals who practice mindfulness.

Mental health benefits include an increase in positive emotions, reduction in stress and depression, improved memory and attention span, and increased compassion for others. Documented physical advantages are a stronger immune system, an increase in the density of our brain’s gray matter and weight loss.

We can plant mindfulness in our daily lives and harvest these great benefits by using “meditations” that work for us. Here are some ideas to try:

“The Raisin Meditation” 

Just like the kids in the Goldie Hawn video, hold one raisin (or any other single piece of food). Explore it slowly with each of your five senses. Think about where it came from. Finally, take a small bite. This meditation teaches us to eat less and enjoy more.

Walking Meditation 

Take 10 steps, one at a time, very slowly. Concentrate on how your foot feels, and be attentive to each part of your foot: the heel, the arch, the ball, the toes. Instead of hurrying to a destination, appreciate the gift of each step. Stand tall and breathe deeply.

Tai Chi, or “Moving Meditation”

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise that uses gentle, flowing movements and deep breathing to promote health and serenity. In addition to tai chi, the exercise systems of yoga and Pilates also teach mindfulness.

Mindfulness is not a religion, but many great religions encourage it.

Christianity teaches meditation on God’s word, thankfulness and joy. Buddhism is founded on awareness of reality through meditation.

Regardless of our faith, we can all benefit by slowing down and considering the blessings that surround us.

At the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, we offer classes in tai chi, chair chi, yoga, chair yoga and more where you can tune in to your body and relax your mind.

Who knows? Maybe mindfulness will be your personal buzzword for better health in 2017.

Chrissie Kaufmann is a certified fitness instructor at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.