I wasn’t born mindful.

I used to rush through life, frequently anxious and disconnected from the present moment — and myself — and my family.  My aha moment came like a blow to the chin…really!

I remember a particular incident from my son’s early school days, when he was in first grade. It was a chilly, dark winter morning, and we were standing outside, waiting for the school bus. I bent over to retrieve a mitten, and that’s when our enthusiastic dog, Millie, came bounding over. She leaped up to give me a friendly lick, but in her excitement, her head collided with my chin, sending me tumbling backward.

My son burst into laughter at the comical scene, finding it all very amusing. In that moment, I felt a mix of emotions—annoyed and slightly hurt by his laughter. I couldn’t help but let out an exasperated, “It’s not funny.” The look of hurt in his eyes instantly made me regret my outburst.  This was my first mindful epiphany – I had not yet become the fully present mother I aimed to be, and I was determined to discover that version of myself.

My story could be anyone’s story.  Everyday we evaluate and analyze our thoughts, actions, or behaviors, often with a critical or judgmental perspective.  Everyday we admonish ourselves and say we want to be a better version of ourselves.  This is why my mindful journey started.

I wasn’t naturally inclined to mindfulness, the reality was that I was tired of reacting and regretting my behaviours so I chose to practice it. Meditation and daily mindfulness taught me to appreciate simplicity, handle stress with calmness, and be more empathetic. Mindfulness transformed me from an anxious, hurried person into a grounded and peaceful version of myself. It’s a skill I developed, not one I was born with.  Or was I?

And then I had another epiphany.  I want to help people unlock the practice of mindfulness!

A certified Mindfulness Meditation and Compassion teacher, I am trained to help others with their journey of self-discovery and personal growth by embracing the principles of mindfulness and making it an integral part of their life.  My approach is simple, the results are profound.  My top 3 practices to introduce mindfulness into your daily routine:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths to relax. Pay attention to your breath. If your mind wanders, gently return your focus on your breathing.
2. Whether you’re brushing your teeth, washing your hands and face, washing dishes,  driving your car or walking (or another daily thing you do) simply pause and notice. What does it feel like?  Pay attention to the sensation of each motion and stay aware of your surroundings. If your mind wanders, refocus on your body’s movements and sensations.
3. Gratitude journaling. Set aside a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Write down three things you appreciate or are thankful for in your life.

Yes,it is this easy.