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.
illustration of a heart
Loving-Kindness & Compassion
Nice Guys Finish First 

Putting kindness and empathy first makes us happier, healthier, and even more successful. Compassion, it seems, isn’t just a nice idea. It’s downright good for us. Read More 

  • Mindful Staff
  • October 1, 2017
Carlos Alberto, meditation instructor and nightclub doorman in NYC
Expert Interviews
When One Door Closes 

Nightclub doorman Carlos Alberto on his journey to becoming a meditation instructor. Read More 

  • Victoria Dawson
  • October 1, 2017
A grid of colorful emoji face squares showing different emotions from happy to sad to angry.
Magazine
The ABCs of Emotions 

A practical framework for becoming aware of and working with emotional intensity and transforming emotional struggle into inner wisdom. Read More 

  • Kelly Graves
  • August 15, 2017
illustration of sun behind dark clouds. confident by nature
Magazine
Confident by Nature 

We all possess a well of confidence. It doesn’t require a boost of self-esteem, and it’s not about feeling better than anyone else. Instead, confidence arises effortlessly when we’re truly and deeply connected with ourselves. Read More 

  • Mindful Staff
  • August 1, 2017
illustration of woman sitting under a tree
Magazine
The Power of Solitude 

Spending time alone with ourselves may not be easy or even desirable. But it’s key to getting to know who we really are. Read More 

  • Elaine Smookler
  • July 26, 2017
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