Mindfulness has been having a moment for a while now. Once a hippy trippy practice for those on the fringes of society, the buzzword now infiltrates our screens - from meditation apps to reels on how to breathe, this spiritual practice has become part of mainstream society.
But - like anything that’s having its time in the spotlight, it’s easy to throw it around without really understanding what it means.
So, what is mindfulness? And more importantly - how do we actually experience its benefits without turning it into yet another shallow trend?
Spoiler alert: It’s not about achieving enlightenment or perfecting yourself. It’s simply discovering what brings you into the moment. No fancy props necessary!
Mindfulness is simpler than you think
At its core, mindfulness is being in the present. It’s the difference between absentmindedly scrolling while scoffing down your breakfast and actually tasting your food. It’s actively listening when someone speaks, whilst turning down the volume on the inner voice that’s waiting for its turn. It’s feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin as you put your laundry on the line instead of auto-piloting your way through the day.
And the benefits are real! Mindfulness has been shown to:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve focus and productivity
Enhance sleep quality
Strengthen relationships
You don’t even need to live in a cave and grow dreadlocks to do it properly!
3 small (aka easy) ways to practice mindfulness
1. The one-minute reset
One mindful minute can change the colour of your day. So pause. Breathe. Notice what’s happening around you. It’s as simple as that.
2. The 5-senses scan
Take a moment in your day to try this:
What can you see?
What can you hear?
What can you feel?
What can you smell?
What can you taste?
Go on - give it a try right now.
3. Mindful movement
Mindfulness isn’t just about being still. A slow walk (sans phone!) in the morning, a deep breath between emails, or a simple stretch before bed can all bring you back to the now.
Want more? Try these to really go deep
If you’re craving something a little more structured and intentional, these practices will help you cultivate even more presence and awareness.
Yoga: Presence through breath and flow
More than just a physical practice, yoga invites us to slow down and listen - to our breath, our body, and our thoughts. Whether it’s a yang sequence or a still, yin pose, yoga asks you to see and accept yourself in the present moment - without the distractions of everyday life.
Pilates: Presence through precision and control
You’ve heard a million times that yoga is not just about the physical - but we can learn a spiritual lesson or two from Pilates too. You see, Pilates is all about intention and direction. Each movement is focused and deliberate, making it a potent practice for improving awareness and connecting body and mind.
Qi Gong: Presence through energy and stillness
With its meditative movements, deep breathing, and energetic attention, Qi Gong reminds us to tune into life’s subtleties. As we synchronise movement with intention, we cultivate a heightened sensitivity to our body’s energy, the shifting sensations within us, and the world around us.
Breathwork: The simplest way to shift your state
Something as simple as slowing your breath can shift your entire nervous system. Try this quick square breath to reset: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and hold again for 4 seconds. Repeat a few times and feel the difference.
Mindfulness isn’t just for you - It’s for everyone else!
Finally, mindfulness isn’t about retreating from the world (we joke when we say it’s all about the personal benefits!). When we cultivate presence our friends, family and community can feel it. Even your dog will thank you. So go on - pop your phone down and look around. We bet it all looks more beautiful now.