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Personal Essays

First-person stories about what mindfulness looks like in real, messy, everyday life. These essays are honest, personal, and often funny - written by people who've found that paying attention changes everything.
How to Overcome Trauma
Depression & Grief
How to Recognize and Overcome Trauma 

Trauma is an emotional response to a negative event. Coming to realise that you might actually be traumatised is the first step in healing. Read More 

  • Nicole Bayes-Fleming
  • June 7, 2019
woman gardening
Gratitude
How to Befriend Your Life As It Is 

Learning to befriend all moments places us firmly in the life we are living, rather than the ideal life we are prone to imagine or strive towards. Read More 

  • Willem Kuyken
  • June 4, 2019
A man in a blue shirt and cap examines leaves on a plant.
Creativity
The Secrets of Mindful Gardening 

Touring the San Francisco Botanical Garden with master landscaper and contemplative gardener Peter Good reveals what curiosity and attention can teach us about gardens—and gardeners. Read More 

  • Karin Evans
  • May 29, 2019
woman climbing rocks. courage
Magazine
Five Ways to Cultivate Courage 

Courage does not always mean the absence of fear. Sometimes, it means being scared, worried, unsure—and yet still finding a way to do what you need to do. Read More 

  • Shelly Tygielski
  • May 22, 2019
man framing face
Focus & Attention
The Power of Seeing The Whole Picture 

Point of View Podcast Episode 9: Editor-in-Chief Barry Boyce and Editor Stephanie Domet talk about using mindfulness to slow down and see beyond our first impressions. Read More 

  • Stephanie Domet
  • May 16, 2019
Puerto Rico flag
Magazine
Building Resilience in Puerto Rico 

After seeing the destruction of Hurricane Maria, Jana Kiser knew she had to help. Here's how she's using mindfulness to support the island's recovery. Read More 

  • Mindful Staff
  • April 30, 2019
Taryn Toomey
Magazine
Trusting Yourself Enough to Break 

Taryn Toomey’s “The Class” is an intense dive into physical and spiritual catharis—an exploration of self on the edge of what’s tolerable. Read More 

  • Jennifer Wolff
  • April 17, 2019
brain’s habit loops
Focus & Attention
Hack Your Brain’s Habit Loops 

We form habits in a very specific way, which is great news. It means this is a system that can be observed, examined, and even altered. But first we need to understand how it all works. Read More 

  • Judson Brewer
  • April 2, 2019
Ad for a mindfulness app with meditations, articles, and a section sidebar, shown on a phone held in hand.