The Buddhist definition is close to the definition for ataraxis (the absence of stress or anxiety; serenity) but implies more than just serenity or peace of mind (perhaps even a mystical “blessed” state). In addition, the existence of the other subordinate definitions of enlightenment create more confusion about exactly what is meant than the relatively simple term ataraxis. 

Also for clarity, I have chosen to avoid using conscious/unconscious and have stayed with aware/mindful and unaware/mindless. While the terms conscious, aware, and mindful are synonyms, conscious has multiple meanings (a kind definition “baggage” I would prefer to avoid). This becomes important when trying to distinguish between being aware or mindful and being unaware or mindless. After all being unconscious can mean being asleep or “out” – something quite different than being unaware or unmindful.

Finally, I use the phrases “staying in the present” or just “the present” repeatedly. In each case and perhaps obviously, the “present” is what is happening “now” not what will happen or what has happened.

The primary advantage of “staying in the present” is staying aware of what is happening. Staying aware allows you to observe as much as possible of what is occurring “now” within and to you, within and to others, and in your surroundings. Your observations are the feedback you need to make decisions about what about you needs improvement and what is fine. For example, if you put a “spin” on some information you have, how does distorting the information make you feel and what do you notice about the reaction of others? You may need to process or “digest” your observations during a moment to come but without observations in the “present”, you will not have answers to the questions.

In addition, staying “present” opens the way for you to redirect your actions as they happen – it is where (and when) the action is. After all, you cannot change what is in the past and you only can change the future by acting in the present. You may rehearse your future actions but you can only act in the present. The importance of staying “present” is hard to overvalue.