Category Archives: Mindfulness

With mindful awareness you can steer your life in any direction you choose.

Posted on by
Reply

With mindful awareness you can steer your life in any direction you choose.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Joseph Barrientos

You are not a drifting boat on Life’s ocean — you are the captain.

The waves will come, the storms will rage, but with mindful awareness as your compass, you decide where to steer.

Most people sail unconsciously, reacting to the weather rather than setting a course.

But awareness changes everything. It slows time, sharpens the senses, and gives you space to choose your words, your mood, your next move.

Imagine the power of noticing the moments before you speak, eat, or give up.

Every conscious breath is a chance to redirect your life.

Mindfulness isn’t passive — it make you the commander of your own vessel.

The question is: are you awake at the helm, or sleeping through the storm?

EXERCISE:

How often do you find yourself living on autopilot, driven by old stories, stale habits, and other people’s expectations?

How can you use mindfulness as a form of radical self-leadership to set your course toward better horizons?

The mind must be given relaxation

Posted on by

“The mind must be given relaxation — it will rise improved and sharper after a good break.”

—Seneca the Younger, ancient Roman Stoic Philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Vitaly Gariev

Taking time to relax isn’t an indulgence — it’s vital for clear thinking and personal growth.

When we pause, step away, and allow our minds room to breathe, we return to our work and relationships with renewed clarity.

Instead of pushing relentlessly, give yourself permission for a mindful walk, family time, or a quiet moment. These simple breaks sharpen your perspective and boost creative insights.

Just as a well-rested athlete performs better, a rested mind leads to better decisions, deeper connections, and greater overall well-being.

Your productivity and joy depend on it.

EXERCISE:

Create a list of five to ten practical ways for you to apply Seneca’s wisdom to relax your mind for sharper, improved thinking.

Block out time in your schedule to engage in at least two of these activities today. How can and will you make this practice a habit going forward?

The list of things we care about is long

Posted on by

“The list of things we care about is long. The list of things we can care for is short. Don’t confuse the two lists.”

—Gabe Anderson, Musician

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

In today’s fast-paced world it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless list of things we care about— causes, people, hobbies, and issues — pulling at our attention.

Yet, the list of things we can truly care for, in terms of deep commitment and responsible action, is much shorter.

Caring deeply requires time, energy, and emotional investment — resources that are limited.

Confusing these two lists can lead to burnout and shallow involvement that doesn’t serve anyone well.

Instead, focusing on a smaller number of things to genuinely care for allows us to make a meaningful difference.

Let’s be mindful of where we place our care, ensuring it is purposeful and sustainable, rather than scattered and exhausted.

EXERCISE:

Make a list of all the causes, people, and projects you care about.

This may take some time.

Narrow the list down to those you can realistically support and invest in deeply.

Prioritize this second list and evaluate your capacities before working through the items.

Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet

Posted on by

“Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.”

—Thich Nhat Hanh, late Vietnamese Buddhist monk, author, teacher

Image from Unsplash by Sandro Gonzalez

Today’s quote offers us a beautiful invitation to live with presence and gratitude.

Imagine each step you take as a gentle embrace, honoring the very ground that supports you. This simple shift can transform an ordinary walk into a mindful practice, a moment of connection with ourselves and the world around us.

Try moving a bit more slowly today — soften your steps, pay attention to the sensations underfoot, and let gratitude fill your heart for this beautiful planet we share. In doing so, we nurture not only the earth, but our spirit as well.

EXERCISE:

Take a slow barefoot walk today. Try exploring different surfaces such as grass, sand, or carpet, and reflect with gratitude on all the good things in your life.

Use your mind to stop the hands of time to simply experience and savor this moment

Posted on by

Use your mind to stop the hands of time to simply experience and savor this moment.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Alejandro Piñero Amerio

Today’s quote is about the power of mindfulness.

Time relentlessly moves forward, but through conscious awareness, we can pause mentally and fully immerse ourselves in the present.

This practice allows us to appreciate life’s simple joys — whether it’s the warmth of sunlight, a heartfelt conversation, or the taste of your favorite meal.

By intentionally slowing down our thoughts and focusing on NOW, we enrich our experiences and reduce stress.

Embracing this mindset transforms fleeting moments into lasting memories, making life far more meaningful and fulfilling.

EXERCISE:

Take three to five minutes throughout your day to take a breath, engage your mind, and truly savor these pauses in time.

When you savor the moment

Posted on by

When you savor the moment, you’ll discover more moments to savor.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Shantung Kulkarni

Today’s quote beautifully captures the essence of mindful living.

By immersing ourselves in the present — whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee, a heartfelt conversation, or a quiet sunset — we train our minds to appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

This practice not only enriches our current experience but also heightens our awareness, making us more attuned to future joy.

When we savor moments, we create a positive feedback loop, attracting more meaningful experiences.

In our fast-paced world, slowing down to truly enjoy the “now” can transform ordinary days into extraordinary days.

EXERCISE:

Take a few deliberate pauses throughout your day to fully immerse yourself in the current experience without rushing to the next task.

Explore all five of your senses in these moments to heighten your awareness and appreciation of these times, making them even richer and more memorable.

Food, Try to do a little better

Posted on by

“Food, Try to do a little better.”

——Anne Lamott, American novelist, essayist, and political activist

Image from Unsplash by Emanuel Ekström

Food is much more than fuel for our bodies — it’s a powerful connector of culture, memory, and emotion. Every meal tells a story, reflecting traditions, family bonds, and personal creativity.

Good food nourishes not only the body but also the soul, bringing comfort and joy. It has the unique ability to bring people together, sparking conversation and celebration.

Yet, food also challenges us to do better — choosing healthier, sustainable options that respect both our well-being and the planet.

When we say “Food, try to do better” it’s a call to be mindful to emphasize quality, embrace diversity, reduce waste, and appreciate the journey from farm to our tables.

In every bite lies an opportunity to nourish ourselves and the world around us.

EXERCISE:

Consider watching the Netflix movie, Nonnas.

It’s a heartwarming story of an Italian restaurant staffed by grandmothers, bringing authentic family recipes to life and creating a new sense of community through food.

The mind can take you in a thousand directions

Posted on by

The mind can take you in a thousand directions, but on this path, I walk in peace.

—Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk

Image from Unsplash by Darius Bashar

I’ve been an avid student my entire life. In my early years, I remember being passionately curious about how things worked.

Even today, I get a dopamine hit by looking up and questioning ideas that pop into my mind.

These days, many more of my inquiries center on my inner world.

Going there through guided meditation and other practices can sometimes be a noisy journey with many competing thoughts pulling me away from a peaceful path.

Thankfully, through ongoing practice and taking my lessons off the cushion and into the world, I’ve discovered more of the peace I seek.

EXERCISE:

In what ways does your mind take you in a thousand directions?

How can noticing these detours in your mindfulness efforts lead you toward a more peaceful path?

The way you look at things is the most powerful force shaping your life

Posted on by

“The way you look at things is the most powerful force shaping your life.”

—John O’ Donohue, late Irish poet, author, Hegelian philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Bradley Pisney

Today’s quote is an excellent reminder to develop and cultivate our self-awareness and mindfulness abilities.

When we choose to adopt constructive perspectives and attitudes, we can harness our powers of perception to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

If and when we look at things from a negative or closed mindset, we limit our abilities to navigate life’s challenges and complexities.

EXERCISE:

How can and will you exercise and develop your powers of perception to shape your life and your world for the better?

“No matter how mundane some action might appear, keep at it long enough and it becomes a contemplative, even meditative act.”

Posted on by

“No matter how mundane some action might appear, keep at it long enough and it becomes a contemplative, even meditative act.”

—Haruki Murakami, Japanese bestselling writer

Image from Unsplash by Pille R. Priske

Taking a daily walk and meditating each morning are habits I’ve had for many years.

These activities begin most days stress free and mindfully aware.

When the rest of my day gets going and things heat up, I can sometimes lose my balance and my cool.

To regain my centeredness, I often find the mundane chores of cooking and cleaning help restore my well-being.

The act of chopping vegetables for a stir fry and simply tidying up does wonders to restore a bit more Zen in my days.

EXERCISE:

What are some of the mundane actions you take throughout your days to restore and renew yourself?

Feel free to reply to this post if your care to share what works well for you.