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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.
People in argument
Magazine
The Good News about Being Wrong 

No one likes making mistakes or (even worse) admitting them. But there’s wisdom and resilience to be gleaned by learning to accept and acknowledge when you are wrong. Read More 

  • Elaine Smookler
  • February 4, 2019
woman reading in garden.
Creativity
The Mindfulness of Mary Oliver 

By illuminating the wonder found in the everyday, her award-winning poems remind us to slow down and experience the present moment in all its glory. Read More 

  • Steve Flowers
  • January 22, 2019
woman with heart image
Magazine
The Five Rules for Self-Care 

Being whole and meeting our own emotional and physical needs first, is the only way we will build the world we want to see in the future. Read More 

  • Shelly Tygielski
  • January 9, 2019
man dancing
Creativity
Revealing Your Purpose 

From discovering ballet at age 51 to quitting an office job to become a deep-sea diver, Mindful readers share how they create a meaningful life. Read More 

  • Mindful Staff
  • December 18, 2018
Rocket ship
Magazine
Let Go Of Your Labels: A Mindful Practice 

When we become too certain or fixed upon any given label, we restrict our chance to experience life’s vast array of surprises and opportunities. Here’s how we can take the tiny boxes we place ourselves in a little less seriously. Read More 

  • Elaine Smookler
  • November 12, 2018
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