You know that feeling when you suddenly realize you’ve driven home but can’t remember the journey? That was my life – always somewhere else in my head, running through tomorrow’s to-do list or replaying yesterday’s conversations. I was everywhere except where I actually was.
My journey into mindfulness didn’t start with some profound spiritual awakening. It started with burnout, anxiety, and a morning when I couldn’t remember if I’d shampooed my hair because I’d been so lost in thought. (I had – twice, actually. My autopilot was apparently very thorough.)
Let me share what I’ve learned about being present, not as some enlightened guru (trust me, I’m far from it), but as someone who’s still figuring it out, one breath at a time.
First, let’s talk about what mindfulness really feels like. Forget the Instagram pictures of serene people sitting cross-legged on mountaintops. For me, it’s more like training a puppy – my mind is the puppy, constantly wandering off to chase squirrels of thought, and I’m gently bringing it back, over and over again. Sometimes it’s frustrating, sometimes it’s funny, but it’s always interesting.
The changes were subtle at first. I started noticing little things: the way my coffee actually tasted (instead of just being morning fuel), how my shoulders tensed up when I read certain emails, the sound of rain on my window that I’d been too busy to hear before. It wasn’t life-changing in the dramatic way I’d expected. Instead, it was life-deepening – adding richness to moments I’d been rushing through.
Here’s what’s working for me (and believe me, I’m still very much a work in progress):
Instead of trying to meditate for hours (which, let’s be honest, was never going to happen), I started with tiny moments. Waiting for the elevator? Perfect time to feel my feet on the ground and take three conscious breaths. Stuck in traffic? Rather than gripping the wheel in frustration, I use it as a chance to notice how my body feels, to really hear the music playing, to observe my thoughts without getting tangled in them.
The biggest surprise? Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind or achieving some state of perfect calm. It’s about being present with whatever is happening, even if what’s happening is that you’re having a terrible day and your mind won’t shut up. There’s something weirdly liberating about that.
Some days, my practice looks like sitting quietly with my morning tea, really feeling the warmth of the cup in my hands. Other days, it’s mindfully loading the dishwasher, paying attention to the sound of water, the clinking of plates, the smell of dish soap. It’s not about what you’re doing – it’s about how you’re doing it.
The hardest part for me was (and still is) my relationship with my phone. I realized I was using it to escape any moment of potential boredom or discomfort. Now I try to see those moments as opportunities instead of empty spaces to fill. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don’t, and I’m learning that’s okay too.
The benefits? They’re not what I expected. Yes, I’m generally calmer and more focused. But the real gift has been getting to know myself better – recognizing my patterns, understanding my triggers, catching myself before I spiral into stress or anxiety. It’s like having a clearer lens through which to view both myself and the world.
I’ve become more compassionate too, not just with others but with myself. When you practice observing your thoughts without judgment, you start extending that same kindness to your mistakes, your failures, your perfectly imperfect humanity.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me at the start: mindfulness isn’t about achieving some perfect state of zen. It’s about showing up for your life, moment by moment, with curiosity and kindness. Some days you’ll feel like you’re getting it right, others you’ll feel like your mind is a tornado of thoughts. Both are perfectly fine.
I’m curious – what’s your experience with presence and mindfulness? Do you have moments when you feel fully engaged with the now? Or does your mind tend to time-travel like mine used to (and still does sometimes)?
Remember, wherever you are in your journey is exactly where you need to be. The present moment is always available to us – like a dear friend waiting patiently for us to come home.
Until next time, take a breath. Feel your feet on the ground. Notice the miracle that is this moment, exactly as it is.
P.S. I’d love for you to explore my handpicked book collection in the ” Book Recs”, menu above. Each one has touched my soul in some way, and I’m truly curious to know which ones call out to you! 💫” https://innersoulwhisp.com/book-recs/