How to Start a Mindfulness Practice (Without the Fluff)
You don’t need a meditation app. You don’t need incense. You don’t need to sit cross-legged and try to “clear your mind.” That’s not mindfulness. That’s branding. Mindfulness is simply the practice of noticing—your breath, your body, your thoughts, your reactions—without immediately judging or trying to fix them. It’s the art of paying attention to your own life as it’s happening. And yes, it can support longevity. Not because it’s mystical, but because it helps your nervous system stop bracing for impact. It lowers stress hormones. It improves sleep. It makes you less reactive and more resilient. It helps you stay in your body, in your relationships, in your choices—even as things change. So how do you start? You start small. You start real. You notice your breath while brushing your teeth. You feel your feet on the ground while waiting for the microwave. You take three slow breaths before answering a difficult email. You scan your body for tension before bed and soften ...
