MAHJONG- THE UNEXPECTED MINDFULNESS PRACTICE
"Mahjong is the epitome of mindfulness. When you are playing you are laser-focused on what’s happening in the moment” - Diane Barnett of Grounded Meditation- from the June 2026 issue of Bloomberg Businessweek magazine
It’s true. The game that has swept the country with its newly revised popularity is more than just a game. Hundreds of thousands of women and men are, unwittingly perhaps, practicing mindfulness every time they sit down at the Mahjong table. And perhaps, without even realizing it, reaping some of the many benefits of a regular mindfulness meditation practice!
The definition of Mindfulness, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “…heightened or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.” Any seasoned (or, for that matter, beginning) Mahjong player can confirm that their awareness is indeed heightened, as they strategically pick and discard the tiles that can ultimately lead to the coveted call of “Mahjong.”
Mindfulness is all about staying in the moment- that one place in which we can be focused and present. When our minds are caught up in the future, we can become anxious. When they're stuck in the past, we can lose touch with what's happening right in front of us. Well-known benefits of mindfulness practices which keep us in the here and now (like Mahjong) include improved sleep; lower blood pressure and heart rate; better focus and clarity; reduced stress and anxiety; better mood; to name a few. And there is some intriguing research to suggest that Mahjong may benefit the brain. In one 12-week study of 53 older adults with mild cognitive impairment, participants who played Mahjong three times a week showed improvements in cognitive functioning.
So what exactly is it about Mahjong that might make it the magic bullet we all could use? Well, it’s not – as they say- “rocket science.” Mahjong requires us to focus on the tiles, the hands, the rules, and on top of all that- at the same time- on what our opponents are doing as well. There’s the element of social connection- long proven to enhance quality of life and perhaps even, longevity. Very simply- it’s fun- something many of us have forgotten how to have amidst the plethora of adult responsibilities and challenges. And, importantly- it’s a couple of hours of screen-free, yet still captivating, distraction. How many practices can we say that about these days?
If you haven’t tried it yet, there are endless opportunities to learn- some free, some at a price. If you already play, you know that Mahjong is now being offered at restaurants, hotels, libraries, and by a laundry list of endless clubs, groups and organizations. It’s the definition of “hot” right now. And it looks like it’s here to stay.
This is why I love bringing Mahjong and mindfulness together. Both invite us to slow down, pay attention, connect with others, and—at least for a little while—leave the distractions of everyday life behind.
It’s also the inspiration behind Grounded Meditation’s Mahjong & Mindfulness Retreat, taking place March 18–23, 2027, in the breathtaking Costa Rican Cloud Forest at a very special venue- Verdesana by Imiloa.
Imagine five days surrounded by misty mountains and lush forest greenery, playing Mahjong, practicing mindfulness, enjoying yoga and sound baths, laughing with new friends, and simply having the space to slow down and reconnect—with yourself, with nature, and with one another.
More than Mahjong. More than mindfulness. An opportunity to experience both in a beautiful place, with a wonderful community of like-minded women.
Comments