Mindfulness: Just Sayin'

When did being mindful become an abstract, complicated process that we must opt into daily? To be mindful is simply to be attentive and aware. To get out of your own head. To realize the world doesn't revolve around you. To be curious about what is going on with others and to engage accordingly. In other words: don't make it all about you. And don't be a dick.

It's not a thing you do and check off your list each day. It's something you practice all day, every day. You can enhance it through things like meditation but these acts are not "mindfulness" in and of themselves. Being mindful means navigating life with the understanding that you are part of something much bigger than yourself. You approach it from a place of engagement and contribution, not entitlement or ego.

You are generous in ways that are meaningful to others. It takes attention and awareness to know how to act in each situation. No one likes the person who is in it for themselves. Don't show up with a schtick. Shut the fuck up, pay attention and make it about others. Sure, some will lack mindfulness themselves and be exactly who and what you're trying to not to become. You can't change that. You can navigate the convo the best you can and learn what not to do. Surround yourself with truly mindful people and give grace to those who aren't there yet.

It's up to you.