Starting a Mindfulness Practice (Even If You Think You Can’t)
You don’t have to become a monk. You don’t have to chant. You don’t have to sit cross-legged on a cushion and try to “empty your mind.” That’s not mindfulness. That’s marketing. Mindfulness is simply the practice of paying attention—to your breath, your body, your thoughts, your reactions—without immediately judging or trying to fix them. It’s noticing what’s happening inside you and around you, in real time, with a little more curiosity and a little less autopilot. 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 life, in your relationships, 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 floor while waiting for the microwave. You take three slow breaths before...
