Thanks to everyone who responded to my post about mindfulness, awareness, and presence.
What do the words "mindfulness," "awareness," and "presence" mean to you?

I was very taken by the broad range and thoughtfulness of responses. What struck me was how much the over-use of these words can be turn-off to their meaning. On a pure level they mean to me being aware of what’s going on in the present moment and a way to stay grounded and less reactive, because we’re so used to going off on automatic. Tapping into practices to keep me present has helped me a lot.

But I agree, the very real issue that these words have been co-opted and over-used by so-called “experts” also has me discouraged – not just with this, but with many things. When anything is commodified, overdone, or used to control people it overshadows anything good that can come from it. I try to avoid that and search for the nuggets of truth, not easy to find when you have to dig through a lot of crap.