Thoughtfulness vs. Mindfulness

While thinking about the definition of mindfulness, the word “thoughtful” popped into my mind.  What is the difference between the two words?  Do they describe the same thing?

Dictionary.com defines thoughtful as:

adj.  

1. Engrossed in thought; contemplative.
2. Exhibiting or characterized by careful thought: a thoughtful essay.
3. Having or showing heed for the well-being or happiness of others and a propensity for anticipating their needs or wishes.

At first, I was thinking that thoughtfulness intersects with mindfulness at points representing the first and third sub-definitions above. The first type reminds me of somebody sitting alone on a bench in a park while thinking.  This person is truly in his/her head and disconnected from the world to some degree; lost in thought.  The second type is keyed into others’ needs.  He/she is thinking about how to meet and exceed those needs ( I imagine cooking breakfast-in-bed for a loved one or spending time picking out just the right gift).

Mindfulness isn’t really an activity in itself , either we are doing something mindfully or we aren’t.  So if mindfulness isn’t on the same level as the other activities we are doing, like being thoughtful, then what is it?  At least at this point in my investigation, I suggest that it is the context of our actions.  This seems clearer when Thich Nhat Hanh urges to just wash the dishes when we’re washing the dishes (Miracle of Mindfulness), but is more complex when the activity is mostly in our heads.  The person in the park can be aware of being in the park while thinking, and the gift giver can be aware of how picking out a present is affecting his/her emotions and body. Thinking is an action, and we can do it in states of distraction and disconnection or we can do it mindfully with our brains and our hearts.