Mindfulness is a way of life that includes embracing the beauty around you and loving yourself. It also means living in the present moment and not judging your life.
Many therapy practices use mindfulness techniques, including meditation and yoga. The following mindfulness quotes may inspire you to get started on your own mindful journey.
1. The present moment is the only moment
One of the most important things to remember in mindfulness is that your life is happening right now. This is the only moment that really exists. When you focus on living in the present moment, your life becomes richer because that’s when you truly experience things.
We often spend a lot of our time worrying about the future and dwelling on the past, but in reality, we can’t change what happened or what might happen and there is nothing to gain from ruminating on either the good or the bad. The only thing we can control is the present and that’s why this mindfulness quote is so powerful.
Getting to know yourself allows you to observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them. This enables you to surrender to the present moment, accept that it is as it is and trust that eventually everything will be fine. It also allows you to enjoy any positive aspects of the current situation, because after all, they won’t last forever either.
Mindfulness is an important practice that can be applied to many areas of your life. It can help you to be more aware of your emotions and how you respond to them, as well as helping you to develop a greater appreciation for the people around you.
2. Be in the moment
Being in the moment is a central part of mindfulness. Mindfulness is defined as “awareness that arises when you are consciously paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience.” Living in the moment helps keep you out of your head, stops you from ruminating over things that went wrong or worrying about what could go wrong, and gives you an opportunity to enjoy the experiences that are happening right now.
A lot of people think that being in the moment is a skill that you either have or you don’t, but it’s actually something that can be practiced and learned. Being in the moment is a habit that will grow over time, and the more you practice it, the easier it becomes to be present.
There are a few different ways to be in the moment, but one of the best is just to notice what’s around you. It doesn’t have to be anything profound — just noticing the smell of the coffee, the texture of your hand, and the sound of your breath is enough to help you be in the moment.
Another way to be in the moment is to just eat and drink mindfully. Take the time to really taste your food and savor each bite. Or, if you’re drinking a cup of tea, take the time to notice the warm feeling as it touches your tongue and the steam rising from the mug.
3. Don’t judge
If you’re in a bad mood or feeling sad, it’s tempting to judge yourself. But judging is not a healthy way to live. It’s not fair to anyone, especially yourself. So if you’re in a low place, remind yourself that it’s just a feeling and that it will pass. Mindfulness is a practice that can help you do just that.
This mindfulness quote from Pema Chodron, a Buddhist teacher and author, is a reminder that self-compassion is at the heart of mindfulness meditation. In mindfulness, you learn to notice your emotions without judgment and to treat them with kindness. This is the foundation of mindfulness practice, and it’s something that you can work on in any moment.
Micheal Posner, the American singer and songwriter, knows what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by fame. But he believes that mindfulness can help him stay grounded. During his walk across America in 2019, Posner focused on the beauty of nature and practiced mindful breathing. He says that being aware of his surroundings made him “feel so much more connected with the universe.”
Another way to practice mindfulness is by repeating mindfulness quotes throughout the day. You can even write these quotes in a journal so that you can refer to them whenever you need a reminder of their wisdom. Placing them in places you will see often, such as your desk or mirror, can also serve as a reminder to pause and be present.
4. Be grateful
Gratitude is the “gateway emotion” that leads to more positive feelings like love, compassion and satisfaction. It also increases your sense of hope and optimism. People who focus on gratitude have greater adaptive coping abilities, which can help them endure challenging situations.
It’s easy to take the good things in life for granted, but mindfulness can help you consciously appreciate the small and big aspects of your life that make you happy. It’s important to spend time at the beginning and end of each day reflecting on what you’re grateful for. Then throughout the day, try to notice and pay attention to elements that bring you joy—it could be the line at your favorite coffee shop is shorter than usual, or the beauty of a star-filled sky.
Cultivating gratitude may seem cheesy but it’s been proven to improve your mental and physical health. In one study, researchers found that those who wrote down a list of things they were thankful for were more optimistic and happier than others who didn’t do the same. This is probably because it forces you to pause, focus and reflect on the good in your life, rather than what you don’t have. It also encourages a feeling of abundance—that you’re fortunate to have what you have and to be with people that you care about.
