Can mindfulness become a baseline?
Short Answer
It can become more baseline-like with long-term practice, especially as reactivity decreases. Many people report a more stable “witness” or awareness in daily life. But baseline mindfulness still fluctuates with major stressors.
Why This Matters
Mindfulness deepens through repetition and integration, not force. Understanding depth prevents state-chasing and helps you measure progress by stability and recovery time. Mature mindfulness is often quieter and more ordinary than expected.
Where This Changes
Depth is not always desirable. In demanding life periods, functional mindfulness (brief check-ins, grounding) may be more useful than deep states. Adjust practice to capacity.