We’ve all heard about mindfulness by now.
It’s everywhere… from corporate wellness programs to smartphone apps promising inner peace in five minutes a day.
But if you’re wondering “what is mindfulness really?”… you’re not alone.
Most of what we think we know about mindfulness meditation is actually what it’s not.
Learn about common meditation myths that stop people from starting.
What Is Mindfulness? (Common Myths Debunked)
Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind.
It’s not about forcing yourself to think positive thoughts.
And it’s definitely not about achieving instant calm or escaping reality.
The truth? You don’t need to sit still in a certain position, breathe a particular way, or silence your thoughts to “do it right.”
There is no “right.”
Mindfulness isn’t a performance. It’s a practice.
It’s about showing up… as you are… to what’s here, right now.
Without judgement. Without pressure. Without trying to be somewhere else.
Discover how to meditate correctly without the confusion.
How to Practice Mindfulness (What It Actually Is)
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention.
With openness.
With kindness.
And with the willingness to be here, even if “here” isn’t perfect.
It’s noticing your thoughts without getting pulled into them.
It’s feeling what your body is telling you, instead of pushing it away.
It’s coming back to the moment, again and again… gently.
Your mind will wander. That’s normal.
The magic is in noticing that it wandered… and then coming back.
Think of your mind like a puppy.
You don’t scold it for running off.
You guide it back with patience, over and over.
That’s mindfulness.
Simple Mindfulness Exercise: 60 Seconds to Get Started
Right now, wherever you are, pause.
Feel your body in contact with whatever is supporting you.
Chair. Floor. Bed. Ground.
You don’t need to change anything. Just notice the sensation of being supported.
Without changing your breath, just notice that you are breathing.
Maybe in your chest. Maybe in your belly. Maybe at your nose.
There’s no right place. Just notice.
Now, listen.
What sounds can you hear, near, far, loud, soft?
Don’t judge them. Don’t name them. Just listen.
Look around without moving your head.
What colours, shapes, light or shadow do you see?
Check in with your body.
Is there tension? Warmth? Restlessness?
Whatever’s here is allowed.
Now notice your thoughts.
Are they planning, worrying, analysing this very moment?
That’s fine.
You don’t need to change your thoughts.
You just need to notice that thinking is happening.
That’s it.
You just practiced mindfulness.
This practice helps stop overthinking naturally.
What Just Happened?
You didn’t empty your mind.
You didn’t achieve perfect calm.
You didn’t “do it right” or wrong.
You simply showed up for your experience.
That’s the entire practice.
Your mind probably wandered. Maybe you judged how you were doing.
Perfect.
You noticed, and that’s the work.
Learn about mental patterns and how mindfulness interrupts them.
Mindfulness for Beginners: You Make the Rules
Here’s what I believe:
There’s only one rule in mindfulness… the meditator makes the rules.
This isn’t about being lazy.
It’s about honouring that your experience is your own.
Your body. Your nervous system. Your history. Your energy.
It’s all different from anyone else’s.
If you barely felt your breath, that’s okay.
If you were distracted, that’s okay too.
If it was easy, that was cool.
If it was uncomfortable, also okay.
Mindfulness is about being honest with yourself in the moment, not fixing yourself.
The Beautiful Simplicity
You don’t need a mat, an app, or a peaceful forest.
You don’t need 20 minutes of silence.
You just need one moment where you choose to be present.
Waiting in line.
Before a meeting.
Lying in bed.
Walking to your car.
Sixty seconds of simply noticing what’s already here.
That’s it.
No pressure. No spiritual fluff. No rules… just reality.
Use this practice at night when racing thoughts keep you awake.
What did you notice during your 60 seconds
that you hadn’t been aware of before?
Read my story of discovering mindfulness through meditation.