Embracing mindfulness and meditation has been a transformative journey for me, and I’d love to share my thoughts and experiences with you.

Let’s start with a little background about me. I’ve always been someone who craved structure and control in my life. You could say I was the “uptight” type who meticulously planned my days down to the hour. Sudden changes used to send me into a frenzy because they disrupted my perfectly organised routine. Giving up control was a major struggle for me, and I wasn’t in control of my emotions either. I’d often react impulsively, saying things in the heat of the moment that I’d later regret.

But, let me tell you, the introduction of mindfulness and meditation into my life has been a game-changer. It’s not just about me; it’s had a positive impact on the people around me, especially in my relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Through meditation, I’ve learned to loosen my grip on my rigid routines and develop a more adaptable, go-with-the-flow attitude.

Now, when you think of meditation, you might picture someone serenely sitting cross-legged by a waterfall, surrounded by butterflies, chanting “ummm” with their eyes shut. While that’s not entirely wrong, meditation is so much more than that. This ancient practice, believed to have originated in India, has a simple yet powerful goal: grounding yourself in the present moment. In a world where social media and constant connectivity can overwhelm us, meditation allows us to reconnect with our thoughts and our bodies.

Meditation for mindfulness has been hugely helpful to me. It’s helped me manage stress, maintain a more positive outlook in challenging situations, and become more patient and tolerant. Plus, it’s indirectly improved my sleep quality by reducing worry and stress, which is essential for a healthy mind.

Now, there’s a common misconception that meditation requires hours of your time and emptying your mind of all thoughts. The reality is that most people will never meditate for hours on end; it takes years of practice. As a beginner, setting aside just ten minutes a day is a great goal. And, rather than emptying your mind, meditation aims to focus your thoughts on the present moment. It asks you to be aware of your thoughts, body, and emotions. It’s all about self-awareness and being in the here and now.

There are various ways to meditate, but as a beginner, focused meditation is an excellent place to start. It involves honing in on one of your five senses: what you see, touch, hear, smell, or taste. This practice helps you get the hang of focusing your attention on yourself and the present moment. For example, if you choose hearing, put on some music and immerse yourself in the experience. It’s about being present, not letting your thoughts wander.

Another great form of meditation is movement meditation, which could be as simple as doing some stretches or taking a short walk outside. The key is to pay attention to the movement or action, feeling the ground beneath your feet, and tuning in to your body’s sensations.

Getting started with meditation might seem daunting, but it boils down to a few core steps. Find a quiet, undisturbed space and set aside a few minutes (remember, as a beginner, two minutes can be a great start). Get comfortable, start with focused meditation, and take a few deep breaths. The goal is to stay connected to the present moment.

If your mind starts to wander (as it often does), acknowledge those thoughts but gently guide yourself back to the present sensation. And always set a timer to help you ease into your meditation practice.

Mindfulness has become an invaluable part of my daily life. It allows me to stay grounded, avoid overthinking, and respond rather than react to situations. It helps me recognise my true needs and feelings.

Tell us: what do you feel about developing mindfulness practices?