Is mindfulness focused or open?
Short Answer
It can be either. Focused mindfulness emphasizes stability on one object; open mindfulness emphasizes awareness of a wide field of experience. Many practices move between the two depending on context.
Why This Matters
Mindfulness works by changing attention and meta-awareness, not by eliminating experience. When you understand attention mechanics, you stop interpreting distraction as failure. This makes practice more stable and transferable to work and relationships.
Where This Changes
Focused vs open mindfulness can produce very different experiences. If one style increases tension or rumination, switch styles or change anchors. The “right” form is the one that increases clarity without destabilizing you.