Sati, the Pali word we translate as mindfulness, functions as a composite–present moment awareness combined with investigation and Right Effort.  This interactive process is reviewed during this talk.  Additionally, there is an interesting quote included in the talk that was downloaded from Wikipedia describing the contemporary term metacognition in ways that are strikingly similar in form and function to sati, without making any reference to Buddhist psychology.  This talk is intended to be a prelude to a relatively thorough series of talks reviewing the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse, which many consider to be the most important teaching in Buddhism.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk, including the extensive quote from Wikipedia:  The Four Foundations of Right Mindfulness