In a world filled with the buzz of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, these practices often become just another item on our never-ending to-do lists. Instead of finding peace and joy, we end up feeling more stressed and overwhelmed. We strive to be fully present in our bodies, emotions, and minds, seeking guidance from books and workshops in our quest for awareness. Yet, despite our efforts, we still find ourselves rushing through the day, feeling pressured, and plagued by guilt for not achieving the desired level of mindfulness.

Even I, at times, struggle to find inner calm for just a few minutes. My mind wanders, and no amount of mindfulness seems to bring me solace. In those moments, I wonder if there’s something inherently wrong with me, if I’ll ever truly master these practices. The more I fixated on achieving a perfect state of meditation, the more stress I inadvertently added to my life.

So, how do we break free from this cycle of striving for mindfulness and instead embrace the peace within?

But who says what a perfect meditation is?

The initial misstep we often take is becoming enamored with the idyllic images plastered across social media of people in serene lotus positions, bathed in morning sunlight, surrounded by nature or in impeccably styled home settings. We become fixated on the notion that meditation requires us to silence all thoughts and sit motionless for hours on end.

But what about those days when you only have a precious 5 minutes before rushing off to work? What if your surroundings aren’t as pristine and organized as those picture-perfect scenes? What if your outdoor meditation soundtrack consists of the clamor of construction rather than the soothing rhythm of ocean waves?

Meditation starts with acceptance

So, for a moment, let’s set aside the curated snapshots on Instagram. Let’s discard the rigid definitions and intricate practices we’ve diligently studied. Our plates are already brimming with tasks; we don’t need to add more. Striving for flawlessness in our pursuit of mindfulness will only lead to frustration. Instead, let’s begin by embracing our current state and allowing ourselves to just be.

The most tranquil moments I’ve experienced since delving into these concepts and practices were when I granted myself permission to be imperfect. When I acknowledged that it’s okay to have worries, thoughts, and moments of restlessness. In those instances, a sense of calm washed over me, soothing my spirit.

Meditation is unique

Another realization that dawned on me is that meditation is a deeply personal journey, unique to each individual. I hold great admiration for those who can maintain a serene stillness for hours on end, seemingly untouched by external distractions. However, personally, I have yet to attain that level of tranquility; my legs often ache, and my mind wanders. The beauty lies in the fact that mindfulness can be cultivated in diverse ways, tailored to suit our individual preferences and needs.

Art, music, and dance serve as alternative forms of meditation, allowing us to disconnect from our daily concerns and immerse ourselves in a state of flow. Mandalas and coloring books offer a creative outlet for mindfulness practice, while apps like Headspace, Calm, or Stop, Breathe, Think provide guided meditation sessions. For those pressed for time, there exist simpler methods to incorporate mindfulness into our daily routines.

Daily mindfulness infusion

As far as I am concerned, we can practice mindfulness along with all our activities, from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep. Here are some suggestions:

Mindful walk – instead of putting on our headphones and listening to music or talking with someone, we can observe our surroundings, our steps, our body weight.

Mindful shopping –  we all have to go to the grocery store. But that’s a good opportunity for some mindful awareness. We can pay attention more to what we are buying, feel the textures of the vegetables and fruits and be grateful for the variety of colors and smells.

Waiting lines can be transformed into a mindful practice. We don’t like waiting anyway – so why getting angry and upset? And there are lots of stories to be heard while waiting in a line and plenty of behaviors to notice.

Eating mindfully – we usually eat in a rush or in front of our laptops. But we can use this time to enjoy our food, to feel its taste and texture. And not only that it’s a mindfulness practice, but we can also benefit from eating slower and more aware.

Take a mindful shower – we can become aware of the sensation of the water on our skin and the smell of the shower gel.

Do not push it too hard

In conclusion, it’s important to remember that finding moments to relax and unwind in your own way shouldn’t feel forced or rigid. Some days, you may effortlessly notice and appreciate the little things that bring you happiness, while on other days, you might find yourself lost in your thoughts, completing tasks without full awareness. And that’s perfectly fine.

Ultimately, meditation is about cultivating a mindset of acceptance and compassion towards yourself. It’s about embracing the belief that you are perfectly okay just as you are, regardless of how long you can hold a lotus position or how many thoughts drift through your mind. It’s about finding peace within the present moment, in whatever form that may take for you.