You might think this sounds absurd. How can something as simple as mindfulness cure stress and anxiety?
I used to feel the same way. I had heard about mindfulness for years but never imagined it could be one way to ease my own mental struggles. Little did I know, it would completely transform my wellness journey.
A conversation on the Rich Roll Podcast with Dr. Ellen Langer reshaped my entire perspective on mindfulness and the power it holds.
I struggled with meditation initially. It turns out that learning mindfulness is the first step toward a more peaceful and present life.
Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind or sitting in perfect meditation. For me, it was about learning to truly be where I was—mentally and physically. And that shift changed everything.
What is Mindfulness?
According to Dr. Ellen Langer, an American professor of psychology at Harvard University and the author of Mindfulness, it’s simply the act of noticing new things.
“When you do that, it puts you in the present. It makes you more sensitive to context and perspective.”
I realized that I had been mindlessly moving through my life, missing out on so many important moments because I wasn’t truly present.
I remember this one moment so vividly. I was at the sink, mindlessly scrubbing a plate, my mind wandering off to some distant place. Suddenly, I heard a faint sound, like a distant hum, growing louder with each passing second.
Slowly, the sound grew louder until I could finally hear my name. My children’s dad was just a few steps away, calling me, but I hadn’t heard him until that very moment.
It was like I had drifted into another world, lost somewhere deep in my thoughts, unaware of my surroundings. I had slipped into a trance. My body was there, but my mind was somewhere else, tangled in an endless loop of thoughts and anxieties.
Have you ever had a moment where you just “wake up” from being completely lost in thought, like those you see in movies? That was me.
I had been physically present, merely going through the motions, but mentally, I was a million miles away, completely detached from the present, leaving me disconnected from everything around me.
The Overwhelming Mental Load: Why We Struggle to Be Present
How often do you truly savor your food? Instead of rushing through a meal or juggling a dozen other tasks, when was the last time you sat down, took a breath, and fully enjoyed each bite—the flavors, the textures, the warmth?
So many times, I’ve caught myself eating while looking at the clock, thinking about the next thing on my to-do list, not even tasting what’s on my plate.
And how many times have you been in the company of friends or loved ones, physically there but mentally elsewhere? You might be sitting at the table, but your mind is racing, thinking about tomorrow’s errands, the kids’ schedule, or what’s for breakfast tomorrow.
Meanwhile, you’re half-heartedly nodding, scrolling through your phone, or planning ahead, missing the chance to fully connect.
As moms, the mental load is overwhelming—constantly juggling a hundred different things in our minds. We’re not just thinking about our own tasks; we’re managing everyone else’s too.
It’s no wonder being present sometimes feels impossible. But that mental load? It’s exactly why we need mindfulness more than ever.
I think back to my eldest daughter’s early years, and I barely remember her milestones. My sister helped care for Sofia, and when she brings up memories from that time, I struggle to recall them.
What I do remember are the painful moments—the times I cried, the hardships, the vulnerability. It hit me that I had been mindlessly focusing on the negative, rather than being present in the joyful moments.
Dr. Langer’s words struck me:
“We don’t enjoy our lives enough because we are not there. We are mindless, not mindful.”
That’s when I realized that my fixation on stress, struggles, and fear was robbing me of the present.
My Mindfulness Journey
After listening to that podcast, I made a commitment to practice mindfulness every day. I began by focusing on whatever I was doing in the present moment.
When I walked, I noticed the grass beneath my feet, the gentle movement of the leaves, and the birds flying overhead. I became fully aware of the world around me.
When I swim in the ocean, I let myself fully connect with nature. I lay on my back, feeling the weightless embrace of the water as I am rocked by the waves, gazing up at the endless sky, completely anchored in the present.
I tuned in to life.
And you know what? It changed everything. Not only did I find joy in the simplest moments, but my mind stopped spiraling into unnecessary stress. I was no longer drowning in anxious thoughts. I was present—truly living, experiencing, and savoring each moment.
Practicing mindfulness helped me appreciate my surroundings in ways I never had before. I feel a deep sense of calm, peace, and lightness within me. Even on the toughest days, it gives me an anchor to the present, helping me focus on what truly matters.
Of course, it’s not always easy. My mind still wanders. But mindfulness has taught me to gently guide myself back to the moment, back to what’s real.
How Can You Start Your Mindfulness Journey?
You don’t need anything special to get started with mindfulness. It’s as simple as noticing three new things in your everyday life. Here’s how:
- Start small: Pay attention to your daily tasks, like cooking, spending time with your kids, or taking a walk. Notice the details—the sounds, textures, and sights around you.
- Tune in to your body: Focus on your breathing, the feel of the ground beneath your feet, or the warmth of the sun on your skin. These little moments can ground you.
- Practice gratitude: As you notice these details, let yourself feel grateful for them. Even the smallest things—like the way sunlight dances through the trees—can bring joy.
- Be kind to yourself: When your mind wanders (because it will), don’t judge yourself. Gently bring your focus back to the present moment. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.
Mindfulness is not about ignoring difficult emotions; it’s about not letting them control you. It’s about finding peace in the present, no matter how chaotic life feels.
Start Your Journey
Mama, we often carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. But you deserve moments of peace. You deserve to live fully in the present, enjoying the simple beauty of life.
This is your moment, Mama. Start today—take a deep breath, slow down, and notice what’s happening around you.
Whether you’re chasing after your kids, their laughter echoing through the house, or you’re folding laundry, feeling the softness of the fabric between your fingers, or simply letting the warmth of the coffee cup radiate through your palms, let yourself fully sink into the moment. Be there for it.
Feel the chaos, the calm, and the warmth. Experience it—because these simple moments are life itself, and they’re yours to savor.
Mindfulness transformed my wellness journey. It can transform yours too. Let go of the stress and anxiety that pull you away from the present, and embrace the healing power of mindfulness.
So, Mama, take your first step toward a more peaceful, joyful life. Notice something new today, and let your journey to mindfulness begin.