Even though the practice of mindfulness is deeply rooted in ancient, monastic traditions, I believe women are uniquely suited to its practice because we are naturally blessed with qualities such as sensitivity and diffuse awareness. Diffuse awareness is the ability to comfortably perceive and understand many things at once. Sensitivity is having feelings about what is seen, understood, and experienced. Women are multifaceted, multitasking wonders. We are aware of and can pay attention to multiple things at once while also noting how we are feeling within the process. These are natural talents conducive to mindful living.
The upside of sensitivity and diffuse awareness is that nothing much slips by us; the downside is exactly the same thing. Nothing much slips by us. Although being acutely aware of and responsive to both subtle nuances and obvious occurrences is helpful in many areas of life—both childrearing and career-building spring to mind—such heightened sensitivity can also be overwhelming.
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