Next in the four foundations of mindfulness is the mindfulness of the mind, and this is described slightly different in various traditions. His Holiness usually talks about it as becoming aware of the primary consciousnesses, not so much about the mental factors because those are included in mindfulness of phenomena, but the clear and knowing nature of the mind. He explains this in the Mahamudra fashion of just learning to discern the clear and knowing nature of the mind.

In the Theravada tradition, mindfulness of the mind includes all the primary consciousnesses, including mental factors. Becoming aware of what is going on in our mind at any particular time, the particular thoughts that are happening, the emotions that are happening, and what is really going on. This is one of the primary things we do in Dharma practice, always checking the mind to see if it is in a neutral state, a wholesome state, or a harmful state. If it is a harmful one, try to let that go. If it is in a neutral mental state, try to change it into a positive state of mind. When thoughts and emotions arise, just sit and observe where they come from and where they abide. After they vanish, where do they go to? Observe the thoughts

It is quite interesting to examine this because we always feel that our thoughts are so real, but where do they come from? Where were they before they arose in our minds? Where are they when they are present, and after they vanish, where do they go?

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