mind·ful·ness/ˈmīn(d)f(ə)lnəs/

a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.

I was introduced to the concept of mindfulness a few years ago, at which time I thought it sounded too hippy dippy for me. I thought it was reserved for the lucky few who had time to waste on things like centering the mind. What I didn’t understand is that mindfulness comes in many forms, and doesn’t necessarily always require meditation or yoga.

Mindfulness is something I didn’t realize I had been connected to all along, but hadn’t fully manifested it enough to unleash the possibilities and potential that come from being mindful, concentrated, observant, present and intentional. Something so unbelievably tranquil, almost magical happens when you feel present and connected to your inner self, your soul, and the beautiful world around you. It’s a feeling I crave and always try to come back to when life gets overwhelming.

True mindfulness does require intention and practice, per se, but it can take shape in endless different ways. Whether that means daily writing in a gratitude journal (I love this – more on it later!), taking a moment to pause and reflect on feelings and emotions to assess why you feel a certain way (and then not judging myself for it), completely unwinding by losing yourself in a hobby, song or book, walking along the ocean and letting your senses take in the vastness of the salty air, chilled blue water and plush white sand.

To me, mindfulness takes shape when we’re doing things to connect to our truest, most authentic selves. It’s a quiet peace and understanding of our being and of feeling and knowing that we’re exactly where we need to be. When you can connect to that bliss, even if just for 5 minutes a day, I promise you your life will be better.