For all of the people that love modern science and empirical data, try shifting your perspective of mindfulness to the scientific method model. Self-improvement tends to be more successful when it's organized, and this allows stress-management to compute for the left-side of your brain.
The scientific method begins with an observation that leads to a question, which follows with a hypothesis, and ultimately results in an experiment.The experiment is then analyzed and conclusions are made. This age-old method can be used for more than just stem-cell research or microbiology.
Mindfulness is a state of being fully present with non-judgmental awareness. When in a meditation, the experience is coming from inside you and your life story is unfolding one moment at a time. You are the expert on the experiences that your body, mind, and self have during this state. You are the laboratory. And use the laboratory of you to observe, question, hypothesize, and experience the still state that you are in.