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.
beautiful cottage deck on sunny day
Magazine
Space to Breathe 

When it comes to designing the perfect home, architect Sarah Susanka focuses less on size, and more on creating beauty and meaning with every square foot. She reveals how little spaces can do big things. Read More 

  • Sam Littlefair
  • August 24, 2016
Protesters holding hands to show their stance against racism. Black and white person holding hands during protest.
Loving-Kindness & Compassion
Healing Racial Fault Lines 

How the simple act of sharing personal stories can help uncover divisive thoughts buried deep within ourselves. Read More 

  • Barry Yeoman
  • August 11, 2016
illustration hands holding
Learn
How to Stop the Racist in You 

The new science of bias suggests that we all carry prejudices within ourselves—and we all have the tools to keep them in check. Read More 

  • Jeremy Adam Smith
  • August 3, 2016
interruption habit
Magazine
Breaking The Interruption Habit 

One mom's attempt to notice the moments when we unconsciously interrupt others or allow ourselves to be needlessly interrupted. Read More 

  • Heather Campbell Grimes
  • July 27, 2016
illustration ant picnic
Magazine
Living with, and Loving, Your Imperfect Life 

Mice in your kitchen, ants at the picnic, screaming children, losing your temper, grouchy boss—life is full of imperfections. And yet it’s uncanny how hard we try to keep everything tidy and together. In fact, when we start to loosen up our habits of perfectionism we discover strength and resilience within. Read More 

  • Mark Bertin
  • July 22, 2016
Ad for a mindfulness app with meditations, articles, and a section sidebar, shown on a phone held in hand.