Hate is a strong word. But it seems appropriate to describe the degree to which I avoided and even eschewed mindfulness. The concept felt too fluffy, too woo woo, too frivolous.

I was a committed go getter, Type A, high-achiever. I was BUSY. Too busy to sit still for 30 minutes, or even for five.

I’ve stopped hating mindfulness.

I didn’t stop because I saw the benefits. I stopped when I found a way in, a way that felt accessible to me within the everyday reality of my life.

Just like breaking down needed shifts into more manageable micro changes is effective at fixing work issues (the topic of my recent TEDx talk), a small-chunk approach to mindfulness practice is what opened the door for me.

First, I realized that the route to being present in the moment can be as easy as focusing on a physical sensation. A sound, a smell, a tactile sensation, the movement of my body as I breathe. It doesn’t need to be complicated.

Second, I realized the practice doesn’t require that I sit on a cushion in perfect silence for hours. Sure, that might be nice someday, but small bits work well enough for now.

Meaning, I feel the benefits: I’m less reactive to unexpected events, decision-making feels easier, I enjoy the moments of my life more. Yesterday at lunchtime, I sat outside for a few minutes, appreciating the fleeting beauty of our cherry tree in full bloom, and watched the clouds move across the squares of sky created by the pergola overhead. It was a moment of pure appreciation of being alive. 

I’m glad I didn’t miss it.

If you have hated mindfulness, what might make it accessible for you? What might the benefits be? Are you willing to try?