Why Mindful Actions Matter

For years, I wrote it off as airy-fairy fluff.

Just another buzzword for people who drink kombucha and talk about their auras.

I was too busy, too stressed, too "important" to slow down and notice anything.

I was on autopilot, hurtling through life like a pinball in a cosmic machine, reacting to everything instead of responding.

Turns out, that's a recipe for chaos.

And for being, frankly, a bit of a jerk sometimes.

So, what is mindfulness anyway?

Essentially, it's paying attention to the present moment without judgement.

It's noticing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they are, without getting caught up in a story about them.

It's about creating a little space between your reaction and the trigger, giving you a chance to choose how you respond.

How often do you react without thinking?

You're stuck in traffic, someone cuts you off, and suddenly you're laying on the horn, screaming obscenities into the void.

Or your boss gives you some critical feedback, and you immediately go into defensive mode, spewing justifications and deflecting blame.

In these moments, you're not acting mindfully.

You're a puppet on a string, dancing to the tune of your immediate impulses.

And trust me, those impulses aren't always your best self.

But what if, just for a second, you could pause?

What if, before you unleashed your road rage or launched your counter-attack, you could take a breath, notice your anger, and choose a different response?

That, my friends, is the power of mindfulness.

Okay, so maybe not being a total jerk isn't enough motivation for you.

When you're constantly living in the past or the future, you're fuelling stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness helps you anchor yourself in the present, where those worries have less power.

Instead of spiralling into a panic about that upcoming presentation, you can focus on taking a few deep breaths and preparing as best you can.

Our brains are like puppies on Red Bull these days. Constantly distracted by notifications, social media, and the general noise of modern life. Mindfulness is like training your brain-puppy to sit still.

Practicing focusing on a single point of attention, you can improve your ability to concentrate on other tasks as well.

When you're truly present with someone, listening attentively and responding thoughtfully, you're creating a deeper connection.

You're less likely to interrupt, judge, or react defensively.

You're actually hearing what they're saying instead of just waiting for your turn to talk.

Mindfulness helps you become more aware of your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

You start to notice patterns, triggers, and limiting beliefs that you might not have been conscious of before, and once you're aware of these patterns, you can start to change them.

When you're constantly stressed and distracted, it's hard to think creatively.

Mindfulness can help clear your mind, allowing new ideas to emerge.

Simply being present and observant, you might notice things you would have otherwise missed, sparking new insights and innovations.

Even just a few minutes of mindfulness a day can make a noticeable difference in your overall well-being.

You'll feel calmer, more grounded, and more connected to yourself and the world around you.

Now What?

How Do I Do Mindfulness?

Alright, so you're sold. Now the real work begins.

The good news is, mindfulness is a skill that can be learnt and practiced.

It's not some mystical talent that only enlightened gurus possess.

Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Notice the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body.

When your mind wanders, gently guide it back to your breath. Start with just 5 minutes a day and gradually increase the time.

There are tonnes of guided meditations available online to help you with this. Just search "mindful breathing meditation" on YouTube or your favourite podcast app.

Lie down on your back and bring your attention to different parts of your body, starting with your toes and working your way up to your head.

Notice any sensations you might be feeling—tightness, tingling, warmth, coolness.

Don't judge or try to change anything; just observe.

Instead of rushing from point A to point B, slow down and pay attention to your surroundings.

Notice the feeling of your feet on the ground, the air on your skin, and the sights and sounds around you.

This is a great one if you're a chronic overeater or emotional eater.

Before you take a bite, take a moment to appreciate the food in front of you.

Notice the colours, textures, and smells.

Chew slowly and deliberately, paying attention to the taste and the sensation of the food in your mouth.

When someone is talking to you, really listen. Put your phone away, make eye contact, and focus on what they're saying.

Resist the urge to interrupt or formulate your response while they're still talking.

You don't need to sit in a lotus position to practice mindfulness.

You can bring mindfulness to everyday activities like brushing your teeth, washing the dishes, or even waiting in line.

Just focus on the present moment and engage your senses.

The biggest challenge with mindfulness is consistency.

It's easy to get excited about it at first, but then life happens and you forget to practice.

Think of it like going to the gym.

You wouldn't expect to be able to bench press 300 pounds on your first day.

It takes time and consistent effort to build strength. Mindfulness is the same.

The more you practice, the stronger your "mindfulness muscle" will become.

And remember, mindfulness is not about emptying your mind.

Your mind will wander. That's normal.

The key is to gently redirect your attention back to the present moment, without judgement.

Mindfulness isn't a magic bullet.

It won't solve all your problems overnight, but it can be a powerful tool for reducing stress, improving focus, building better relationships, and living a more meaningful life.

So, next time you hear someone say "be mindful," don't roll your eyes and tune out. Give it a try.

Now go forth and be mindful, my friends!